Could anyone help me i have been asked to prune 3 mtr conifer trees to 1.5 mtrs now in summer. My concerns is that with that lack of water and the heavy prune that the trees may die? (the trees are healthy and green) any suggestions
Thanks
Could anyone help me i have been asked to prune 3 mtr conifer trees to 1.5 mtrs now in summer. My concerns is that with that lack of water and the heavy prune that the trees may die? (the trees are healthy and green) any suggestions
Thanks
DROUGHT EFFECTS
The EFFECTS OF DROUGHT ON URBAN TREES
and
HOW TO AVOID PROBLEMS
DEATH COMES GRADUALLY TO TREES
When trees die, people assume that it is because of current environmental stresses.
Research suggests that trees often die as a result of stresses that occurred years, sometimes decades, before tree death.
Trees typically continued growing for up to 20 years after they were injured by some stress, but the growth rate during those years was substantially lower than before the stress occurred.
DROUGHT SYMPTOMS
Loss of rigidity in needles and leaves
Drooping, wilting, yellowing of foliage
Premature leaf or needle drop
Bark cracks
Twig and branch dieback
Leaf margin scorch and interveinal necrosis on deciduous trees
Browning of needle tips on evergreens
General canopy thinning
Poor growth and stunting
In extreme cases - DEATH
WHAT HAPPENS IN A DROUGHT?
A water deficit develops in the tree.
Non-woody feeder roots and root hairs are particularly sensitive to drying and are affected first.
They shrivel and become non-functional. They lose the ability to absorb water.
The roots can no longer provide sufficient water to the top of the tree. The tree is forced to draw upon stored resources for survival.
Additionally, many metabolic changes occur which substantially alter the physiology of drought-stressed trees.
STRATEGIES FOR CONTROL
Water during periods of low moisture.
Select appropriate site and follow good planting practices.
Where possible, select native plants and match plants to site conditions.
Mulch properly to retain soil moisture.
Prune dead and weakened tissues to avoid secondary problems.
DO NOT PRUNE healthy, living tissue from mature trees during drought periods.
Maintain tree vigor through good cultural practices.
WATERING
Trees need approximately one inch of water per week.
Water is best applied at one time as a slow, deep soaking to a depth of 12-18 inches.
Frequent, light watering is harmful, as it promotes surface rooting, which can lead to excessive root drying.
The length of time required to deep water will vary according to soil type and water pressure. Clay soils will require more time than sandy soils.
thanks admin,
i felt the same way deep down,