After an exceptionally dry spring and prolonged hot weather, the current drought is affecting trees and woody vegetation across the UK.
Here in Norfolk and the wider East Anglia region, prolonged dry conditions mean that many trees, hedges and shrubs are under considerable stress – and some of the consequences may not become fully apparent until next year or even later.
What are the signs of drought stress in trees?
Trees lose water naturally through their leaves in a process called transpiration. Under normal conditions, this water is replaced by moisture absorbed from the soil through the tree’s roots.
However, during prolonged dry weather, such as the current drought, there may not be enough available soil moisture to replace what is being lost.
Trees will then respond by attempting to conserve water, and if the drought continues, the tree may begin sacrificing some of its foliage and branches to survive.
How does drought affect trees?
Some of the symptoms we’re seeing, or may see before the end of this summer, include:
- Wilting or curling leaves
- Brown or scorched leaf margins
- Leaves turning yellow or brown unusually early
- Premature leaf fall
- Reduced new growth
- Thinning of the crown
- Dead twigs and branches
- More extensive crown dieback in severely affected trees
But it’s important to remember that these symptoms don’t necessarily mean a tree is dying. For example, dropping leaves early can be a survival mechanism that allows a tree to reduce the amount of water it’s losing.
However, significant or prolonged drought stress can weaken a tree and leave it more vulnerable to other problems.
Newly planted trees are particularly vulnerable
Young and recently planted trees are among those most at risk during prolonged dry weather. Unlike established trees, they haven’t yet developed extensive root systems capable of exploring a large volume of soil for moisture. Trees planted within the last few years should be monitored particularly carefully.
Regular and thorough watering is generally much more beneficial than frequent light watering. This aims to allow water to penetrate the soil around the developing root system rather than simply wetting the surface.
Also, applying an appropriate layer of mulch around the tree can also help conserve soil moisture, suppress competing vegetation and moderate soil temperatures.
What about mature trees?
It’s easy to assume that a large, mature tree will simply be able to cope with drought because of its extensive root system. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case.
Prolonged drought can severely stress mature trees. The risk is greater where soil is compacted or trees are affected by damage, disease or age.
Veteran and ancient trees are especially important to monitor. Parts of the crown may die back as the tree responds to water shortages, while dead or weakened branches may subsequently require professional assessment.
Hedges and shrubs are affected too
Drought doesn’t just affect trees. Hedges, shrubs and other woody vegetation can experience many of the same problems, particularly species with relatively shallow root systems.
Symptoms can include reduced growth, wilting, scorched foliage, early leaf fall and the death of individual shoots or sections of a hedge.
There may also be wider consequences for wildlife because hedges and shrubs provide valuable food, shelter and nesting habitat as any reduction in flowering, fruiting or foliage can affect species that depend upon them.
For tree owners across Norfolk, the effects of prolonged drought may continue to become apparent over the coming months.
At Ace of Spades Gardens, our experienced team provides professional tree care, tree surgery and arboricultural consultancy throughout Norwich and Norfolk.
If you’re concerned that the current drought may be affecting trees or other woody vegetation on your property, professional assessment can help identify signs of stress, distinguish drought symptoms from other tree problems and determine whether any action is required.
Please get in touch with us by calling 01603 487447 or emailing [email protected]
