Read on to learn how to help flooded trees recover so you can be prepared the next time there is a rainstorm!
It’s hurricane season, which means quite a bit of rainfall, depending on the region you’re in. Climate change has also increased the precipitation in a few regions of the United States, so flooding in these areas is a lot more likely. It might make you wonder, how does flooding affect your trees? Read on to learn how to help waterlogged trees recover so you can be prepared the next time there is a rainstorm!
Flood Damage Symptoms
The potential for flood damage to your trees depends on when and how the flooding occurs, the type of tree, as well as the state of the current tree’s health. Flooding can change soil conditions, interrupt oxygen getting to your trees’ roots, and stress trees, which makes them more susceptible to insect and other disease damage. Trees that experience floods could suffer a few of these symptoms:
- Leaf chlorosis and yellowing followed by leaf loss
- Small leaf size
- Early fall coloration and other leaf drop
- Crown dieback
- Change in seed crops in years after a flood
- Small shoots coming up from the main stem
What will an overwatered tree ever recover?
Can You Save a Waterlogged Tree or Shrub?
Trees are very susceptible to flood damage in the late spring and during the summer. Flooding is probably not a real concern if a flood occurs by heavy rain and the water recedes within a few days. But during the growing season, especially when the weather is warm, flooding will quickly cause some significant, long-term damage to sensitive trees and shrubs. Roots are actively respiring during the warm growing season and have a lot more oxygen demand. Brief periods of flooding could start to kill the roots of sensitive upland species during the growing season. Wetland plant species like bald cypress or water tupelo could survive three to five months of flooding.
How Does Flooding Affect Your Trees?
The longer flood during growing season could decrease the height and diameter growth of moderately tolerant trees, but kill trees that are not flood tolerant. Flooded soil limits the oxygen supply to tree roots by presenting air movement with soil, preventing root respiration and leading to the death of the roots. Call Harford Tree today if you’re curious about how we can help!
Tree Care and Maintenance from Harford Tree
Ready to have the beautiful yard you have always dreamed of? Harford Tree Experts & Landscaping, Inc has been in the business for decades, providing customers with quality work and quick responses all at the right price. We service the areas of Harford County, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City areas including Bel Air, Fallston, Perry Hall, Towson, Essex, Parkville, White Marsh and Middle River.
For service during business hours, reach out to us or give us a call at 410-592-7321. We offer 24/7 emergency service as well, just give us a call at 443-250-6649. For updates about our business and more informative tips, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.