Watering Trees in a Missouri Drought: Save Your Canopy
Missouri weather is extreme. We get floods in May and bone-dry droughts in August.
When the temperature hits 98°F and stays there, your trees start to panic. While the grass turns brown and goes dormant (it will come back), trees can suffer permanent root damage that kills them 2-3 years later.
The Signs of Thirst
- Wilting: Leaves droop during the day.
- Scorching: The edges of the leaves turn brown and crispy.
- Early Color: If your Maple turns red in August, it isn't pretty—it's dying.
How to Water Correctly (Deep & Slow)
Sprinklers are for grass. They only wet the top inch of soil. Tree roots are 12-18 inches deep.
1. The Hose Trickle
- Place a garden hose near the base of the tree.
- Turn it on to a very slow trickle.
- Let it run for 45-60 minutes.
- Move the hose to the other side of the tree and repeat.
2. The Gator Bag
For young trees planted in the last 2 years, use a watering bag (looks like a green pouch zipped around the trunk).
- Fill it once a week. It slowly releases water over 8 hours.
3. Soaker Hoses
Lay a soaker hose in a circle under the "drip line" (the edge of the branches). Run it for 2 hours.
Which Trees Are Most Vulnerable?
- Newly Planted Trees: They have no deep root system. They need water weekly for the first 2 years.
- Dogwoods: Shallow roots. They are the first to die in a drought.
- Japanese Maples: Their thin leaves scorch easily.
Don't Forget Mulch
A 3-inch layer of hardwood mulch acts like a lid on a cooler. It keeps the soil moisture from evaporating.
- Tip: Keep the mulch 3 inches away from the trunk (no volcanoes!).
Water is Cheaper than Removal It costs pennies to water a tree. It costs $1,000+ to remove a dead one. Protect your investment.