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| Welcome to our tree column, “Ask your local arborist.” Each month, arborists from the Davey Tree Expert Company in Menlo Park discuss a tree-related topic from general care and planting tips to how trees can impact your property. If you have a tree-related question or an idea for a topic to discuss, email lifestyle@embarcaderopublishing.com or post in the comments section at the end of this column. |
California’s drought state of emergency may have officially ended in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties at the end of 2024 following two wet winters that led to improved water conditions, but trees in the area are still reeling from the long-term effects of past back-to-back dry years when the area experienced below-average rainfall.
Signs of stress
Even though reservoir levels may look better, trees don’t recover from drought overnight. Their stress builds over time, especially in urban areas where soil compaction, “heat islands” (areas that absorb and retain more heat than natural landscapes) and limited root space compound the effects.
Trees that didn’t receive enough deep water over the past few years are now showing symptoms of stress, including browning leaf crowns, premature leaf drop, sparse canopies and branch dieback.
Why June is critical
These symptoms are particularly noticeable in June, before summer heat peaks and after spring flushes have passed.
Drought-stressed trees are in a weakened state, which makes them more susceptible to a range of problems, many of which become more visible during early summer. Insects like bark beetles, for example, are drawn to drought-weakened trees, and fungal diseases can take hold in wood that has already started to decay internally. In many cases, these problems go unnoticed until limbs break or the entire tree begins to decline rapidly.
If you notice signs of stress in your trees, June is a critical time to act. Here’s what to do:
- Begin with a deep watering routine that mimics natural rainfall by applying water slowly and deeply at the dripline (where roots can absorb it most effectively).
- Avoid frequent shallow watering, which promotes weak surface roots.
- Remove turf and excess mulch from the base of the tree.
- Consider adding compost, if needed.
- If you’re seeing significant dieback or suspect disease, consider calling an arborist. They can assess the tree’s structure, recommend pruning or care routines, and help determine whether a tree can be saved.
George Reno is a local arborist at The Davey Tree Expert Company in Menlo Park, which serves communities on the Peninsula, including Menlo Park, Atherton, Palo Alto and Redwood City. Reno can be reached at 866-923-5658.
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