By Brian Minter
We are now in a serious drought situation and need to protect the trees in our own landscapes and neighbourhoods.
It’s important to adhere to our local water restrictions, but within that framework there are ways to help our plants.
Younger and more juvenile trees are the most at risk. Many do not yet have an established root system and adding moisture retaining materials like fine bark mulch around the base and drip line will help retain moisture. Packaged composts like Sea Soil, worked into the soil, will also add more organic matter, which also dramatically increases moisture retention.
Tree bags filled with water regularly will also add some much-needed moisture, and deep hand watering around the drip line will make a difference. If you can use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system it is the most efficient way to provide water where it is needed most, but you must check your soil to see how far the water has penetrated. Until the soil is sufficiently moist on a consistent basis, these systems cannot carry the load completely.
Hedging plants also need care and attention now. The addition of organic soils and mulches around the bases will have a tremendously beneficial effect in retaining moisture here as well. Remember, many hedging plants are shallow rooted so their roots cannot go deep to find moisture. Again, soaker hoses or drip systems at the base are the best way to ensure they get the necessary moisture once they are thoroughly watered.
Established flowering shrubs like hydrangeas, hibiscus, spiraeas, rhododendrons and azaleas could use a weekly watering, but focus on the drip lines, the area to which the root systems typically extend. Hand watering using a proper high-efficiency nozzle with between 400 and 1000 holes will result in better water distribution directly to the root zones, with soaker hoses being an effective backup.
Perennials are also an important source of food for pollinators and with proper mulching you can decrease the need for water. Ornamental grasses, too, are very heat and drought tolerant while adding green and beauty to our gardens. Again, weekly water checks are needed at this time of year.
Trees in our landscapes help cool our homes and neighbourhoods as well as clean the air we breathe, and strong plants provide habitat for birds, beneficial insects and other wildlife. It’s a critical time to ensure that we not only keep them alive, but help them avoid undue stress which can result in more disease and insect challenges. Working within our local water restrictions, let’s make sure we keep them all growing and healthy.
Brian Minter is an award-winning horticulturist, author and syndicated columnist from Chilliwack, B.C. He and his wife, Faye, founded Minter Gardens, a 32-acre mixed-style show garden.
Comments are closed.