AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Although drought causes lack of soil moisture with which to nourish trees, there are other factors aiding in the deaths of trees across the Lone Star State.

According to Texas AgriLife Extension Service Forestry Specialist Dr. Eric Taylor, other pre-existing environmental factors such as overcrowding, age, trenching and inappropriate use of herbicides played a big part in killing off some of the trees last year.  Had these issues not been factors, the trees might have recovered from the drought.

“This is an important concept to remember because our best defense against drought is to promote a tree’s health and vigor through proper care and management,” Dr. Taylor said.

Taylor pointed out trees need water to do everything.  But even though moisture stress may have been a trigger, the trees likely died from heat stroke, diseases and insect damage.

“Much of the recent tree deaths and general decline might also be attributed to the extreme and prolonged heat of 2011,” he added.  “Extreme temperatures, not only during the day but also in the early evenings and night, have negative impacts to tree physiological processes.”

Dr. Taylor added if this is the first year a tree has dropped leaves, it is possible it may recover.

Should the drought continue, Dr. Taylor recommends homeowners reduce the stress on their trees by paying attention to over-crowding and watering, minimizing damage to stem and roots and properly pruning.

“A good watering on half or one-quarter of the root system can be very beneficial.  Do not concentrate the water at the base of the tree.  Doing so can lead to root diseases.”

Dr. Taylor added the best time to water is in the early evening and night.  This is when trees normally catch up and replenish the water they lose during photosynthesis. 

Dr. Taylor is conducting a four-part course on woodland management this August.  Though the course is aimed at people living in woodlands, it will include information useful to people living in the Texas Panhandle.  See http://today.agrilife.org/2012/07/10/private-woodlands for more information.