Don't Stop Watering Your Trees and Lawns
by Taylor's Way | Dec 10, 2018 | Blog
The Illinois Valley recently received three to seven inches of rain — but just because we got some rain, don't stop watering those trees and lawns as summer kicks off.
Why You Should Keep Watering After Rain
With the forecast ahead and the stress that all trees have gone through to date, our arborist in Ottawa says we really need to stay up on watering our trees and lawns. Don't be fooled by recent rainfall — consistent watering is essential heading into the summer months.
Watering Your Trees
Newly Planted Trees
Water newly planted trees two to three times per week with a slow trickle. A five gallon bucket works great for this purpose — slow and steady is the key.
Mature Trees
Don't forget your big trees! A slow trickle or sprinkler around the base of mature trees can make a big difference in their health and survival through summer stress.
Best Practices for Lawn Watering
Water Early Morning or Late Evening
Watering during cooler parts of the day gives grass the moisture it needs without risking burns from the sun or rapid evaporation.
Cool the Soil Temperature
High soil temperatures promote fungal activity in lawns. Watering cools the soil, relieves grass stress, and helps prevent fungus from infesting your turf.
Watch: Watering Tips from Taylor's Way
Our team shares expert advice on keeping your trees and lawn healthy through the summer. Watch the video below for a full walkthrough.
One of the Worst Years for Tree Disease
This year has seen some of the worst outbreaks of fungus, bacteria, and other tree diseases in recent memory. Here's what to look for and what may be causing it.
Symptoms to Watch For
Browning leaves on ornamental pears, crab apples, maples, and oaks are all signs something may be wrong. Unusual leaf drop or discoloration warrants a closer look.
Possible Causes
Issues may be fungal, or abiotic — meaning caused by environmental stresses such as drought, too much or too little rain, or construction damage near the root zone.
We're Here to Help Diagnose Your Trees and Lawn
If you're noticing browning leaves, fungal activity, or other concerning symptoms, give our office a call. We'll walk you through your options — whether that's a DIY solution or having our certified arborists and expert lawn technicians come out and diagnose the issue in person.
Remember: water is the lawn and tree's best friend. Don't stop watering just because it rained!
