Drought and Moisture Stress in Omaha Trees and Shrubs
A non-infectious condition that accounts for most plant losses — and one of the most preventable, with the right irrigation and mulching.
Free Estimate within 24 Hours
Why moisture stress is such a common problem
Drought, or moisture stress, is a non-infectious condition — meaning it isn't caused by a pathogen or insect — and it accounts for most plant losses in the landscape.
Because it's driven by weather and soil moisture rather than a pest, it can affect otherwise healthy trees and shrubs quickly if conditions turn dry.
Which plants are most at risk
Moisture stress is a particular concern for shallow-rooted plants such as dogwood or azalea, since their root systems have less access to moisture deeper in the soil profile during dry stretches.
Recently transplanted trees and shrubs are also at elevated risk and should be monitored closely, since their root systems haven't yet re-established enough to reliably draw water on their own.
How to protect vulnerable plants
Judicious use of irrigation is critical for sensitive plants — enough moisture to get them through dry periods without overwatering, which brings its own set of problems.
Proper mulching is equally important, helping to retain soil moisture and moderate soil temperature around the root zone of sensitive and newly planted trees and shrubs.
