Our daily lives are directed by water, the great conveyer in the Atlantic Ocean creates our weather pattern therefore dictating the work schedule of the outdoor industry-man or outdoor-enthusiast – water opened up a new mode of trade and transportation long ago – general plumbing, sewer systems, all of which changed the quality of lives, based on water.
When rains are few and the water tables are low – We, in Northeast Ohio, are survivors!! Like the nomads in the sierra we make a way where there is no way! Our municipalities add water restrictions and hand out penalties to those who do not adhere to the guidelines aiding in the process of water conservation…Our lawns are on strict rations as they beg for just a drop – kind of like the story of the rich man in Hades begging Lazarus across the abyss for just one drop – imagine our trees? Did you see them begging last year in Northeast Ohio’s 2012 drought?
Coming into the spring of 2012 Northeast Ohio had already went the best of the winter without precipitation and the following spring and summer held no reprieve from the drought. Many did not connect the dots in regards to the landscape and this the year of 2013 – became the year of repercussions, residuals from the drought of 2012.
Water conservation is very important! Just as the importance of our honeybees – we must be proactive in our environments’ well being.
In the same token, we can manage our trees and landscapes with proper and conscientious watering practices in mind and in use.
Check out this video link with Tom Dayton giving you the dirt on Dayton Nurseries water conservation management program.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Grb1LQDropM
Don’t leave your trees high and dry this fall and winter.
If it is dry – give your trees water if you have it available. Many Dogwood varieties and other trees, including evergreens, succumbed to disease and death this year from the stress of last year’s drought.
Established trees need water when it does not rain or snow – Many of our large mature trees can drink up to 250 gallons of water a day if it is available to them.
This week’s garden chores:
- Finish getting your landscape beds cleaned out for the winter
- Get your wilt pruf and sprayer this week so you are ready to spray next week
- Apply preen to the landscape beds this week once you get them cleaned out if you want to prevent any winter weeds from germinating
- Get to finalizing your fall plantings: Bulbs, trees, shrubs etc. so the roots can establish before a good hard freeze sets in
- Do you have your lawn mower dropped back to a lower setting to get the lawn in shape for the winter – to prevent snow molds from forming
As we always say – Love is Action!!!
If you Love your trees you will give them water when it is dry.
