Weather conditions have been very dry this spring in the Cincinnati area. Landscapes are dry and lawns, trees, and shrubs are beginning to show stress.
April so far is the sixth consecutive month with below normal rainfall. The U.S. Drought Monitor showed moderate drought conditions developing in central Kentucky with unusually dry, pre-drought conditions extending northward into the Cincinnati area.
Some visible signs of drought stress are showing up in some area lawns. Visible wilting is being observed in some plants. It is very important to water trees and shrubs planted in the last year or two. Transplantation can sever up to 80% of a tree’s roots and it can take several years for these roots to re-establish.
Proper watering is relatively simple. For newly planted trees and shrubs, a hose can be placed at the base of the tree and be allowed to run for 20 or 30 minutes. Be certain before removing the hose that the area around the plant is thoroughly saturated.
A sprinkler can also be used to water the area. There is no time rule for how to water. It is best to put out a straight sided can or rain gauge and measure at least one inch of water before turning off the water. Wetting of the foliage of certain trees and plants, in particular crabapples and dogwoods, can increase disease susceptibility.
Establish and maintain a one to two inch mulch depth in beds and over the root zones of trees. All bark mulch such as pine bark is best. 100% hardwood bark is OK, and pine straw is very good as well. Coarsely shredded mulch is better than very fine mulch. Mulch with a foul odor should be avoided.
The need for watering may change this weekend based on rainfall.
Currently, as much as one inch of rain is possible. Do not stop watering unless it is clear that substantial rainfall fell in your yard. Remember that just because heavy rain fell at the airport does not mean your yard saw that much rain. Evaporation and drying rates will continue to increase as spring progresses and temperatures warm.
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