Marietta's trees have been sorely tested by the storm of June 29 but the test isn't over and it is becoming more rigorous by the hour. All of the trees in the area are stressed from lack of water. Many leaves have already browned - it is not known whether they will be able to leaf out again in 2013. Please put hoses at low trickle on your trees - remember roots extend beyond the spread of the crown of the tree. The browning of leaves is a warning that some of the fine feeder/water-gathering roots have died. Trees require at least an inch of water a week. How many weeks has it been since Marietta has had an inch of rain? What is needed now are long soaking rains to penetrate into the soil. Fast hard rains won't do the job.
Please take a few minutes to set the hose and then remind yourself to move it about every half hour. Your tree will be healthier this year and for the next several years if you do so. And feel free to adopt a tree or two if you have the time!
Marilyn Ortt
Marietta
