Many trees are under stress because of dry, hot weather. Tree expert offers guidance on how to keep trees healthy.
It’s been 20 days since the last significant rainfall in the capital region and the millions of trees around our homes, streets and parks are starting to feel some of the stresses of drought.
Sharp recommends a good soaking for larger trees about every 10 days to two weeks that reaches 20 to 25 centimetres into the root zone. Following Capital Regional District watering restriction guidelines, that’s about an hour using a sprinkler or soaker hose. Extended periods of drought can cause browning of foliage and even hydraulic failure, the sudden dropping of limbs.
A horse chestnut tree in the Gorge Tillicum neighbourhood lost one of its large limbs on Tuesday morning, falling onto a vehicle and causing significant damage. The City of Victoria said the incident was not related to the heat wave, but due to a “bark inclusion” — when two branches or stems grow too close together in a V formation.
Some say limb failures are triggered by high humidity within the tree’s canopy, which leads to a surplus of moisture that weakens the tree’s structure. Others believe it stems from an internal issue, such as bacteria. During drought, trees close their stomata — the minute openings in the epidermis of leaves — essentially starving themselves by blocking the entry of carbon needed for photosynthesis. Trees then have to rely on stored starches and sugars until the drought ends.
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