How to Take Care of Trees During a Drought: Essential Tips to Keep Them Healthy
Droughts can be tough on trees. Without enough water, leaves dry out, branches weaken, and in extreme cases, trees may not survive. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to be done. With the right care, trees can withstand even the harshest dry spells and continue to thrive.
Whether it’s a beloved backyard tree or a row of shade trees along a street, keeping them healthy during a drought requires some simple but effective strategies. Here’s how to make sure trees get the support they need when water is scarce.
1. Water deep, not often
One of the most common mistakes is watering too frequently but not deeply enough. Trees need water to reach their roots, not just the top layer of soil.
Better ways to water during a drought:
- Water slowly so the soil has time to absorb it
- Water early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent evaporation
- Use drip irrigation or deep watering techniques instead of sprinklers
- Shallow watering only encourages weak, surface-level roots. A deep soak every few days is much more effective than a light spray every day.
2. Mulch: the best defense against dry soil
A layer of mulch around the base of a tree can do wonders for moisture retention. It acts like a protective blanket, keeping the soil cool and preventing water from evaporating too quickly.
Best practices for applying mulch:
- Use organic mulch like wood chips, bark, or straw
- Apply 2 to 4 inches of mulch, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk
- Avoid synthetic mulch, as it can trap too much heat
- A well-mulched tree stands a much better chance of surviving a drought than one with exposed, dry soil around its roots.
3. Choose drought-resistant trees
Not all trees handle drought the same way. Some species naturally thrive in dry conditions, making them a smart choice for areas where water is limited.
- Good options for drought-resistant trees:
- Oak (Quercus)
- Arizona Cypress (Cupressus arizonica)
- Mesquite (Prosopis)
- Olive (Olea europaea)
These trees have deep roots or special adaptations that help them survive even with minimal water. If planting new trees, choosing a drought-tolerant species can save a lot of trouble down the road.
4. Go easy on pruning
A tree that’s already stressed from drought doesn’t need the added burden of excessive pruning. Removing too many branches can make it harder for the tree to retain moisture.
How to prune wisely during a drought:
- Trim only dead or damaged branches
- Avoid heavy pruning that exposes too much of the tree to the sun
- If pruning is necessary, do it in cooler months when the tree is less stressed
- A well-balanced tree with strong branches and healthy leaves is better equipped to handle dry conditions.
5. Avoid over-fertilizing
It may seem like adding fertilizer would help a struggling tree, but during a drought, it can do more harm than good. Fertilizers encourage new growth, which requires even more water—something the tree may not have enough of.
If fertilization is needed, it’s best to use a slow-release organic option and apply it sparingly.
Trees Need Care, Especially in Tough Times
Trees provide shade, improve air quality, and make any space more beautiful. During a drought, taking extra care to keep them healthy ensures they continue to offer these benefits for years to come.
A little effort goes a long way. With deep watering, mulch, the right pruning approach, and drought-tolerant choices, trees can stand strong even in dry conditions. The key is to work with nature, giving trees the support they need to weather the storm—or in this case, the lack of one.