Lexington County farmers aren’t the only ones suffering drought conditions.

Drought definitely has impacts on trees and the wildlife that depends on them.

The impact varies due to a number of factors including tree species, site quality, soils, age and condition of the tree, and if it is in an urban landscape the type of watering it receives.

The few calls I have had from Calhoun, Lexington, Orangeburg, Colleton and Hampton are primarily related to yard trees.

Many of these are about Leyland cypress, a species not native to SC but planted here due to its fast growth rate and form.

Even native species such as dogwoods can become stressed depending on where they are planted.

Dogwood is a shallow rooted species that is often planted in full sun. It grows naturally in forest shade.

Other hardwood species can be more susceptible to drought if planted where they would not grow naturally. Drought stress symptoms for hardwoods include leaves turning brown instead of their fall colors and dropping quickly.

Maintaining a regular watering regime for yard trees is key to keeping them healthy through a drought.

Watering should be done with a slow, soaking system that allows water to be absorbed into the top 6” to 10” of the soil where most hardwood roots are found.

The watering should be done from the trunk out to the rim of the root zone.

I have heard this described as twice the width of the crown or half the height of the tree.

Watering early in the day will allow less of the water to be lost to evaporation.

One inch of water a week is a good rule. Keep in mind that a large mature shade tree needs hundreds of gallons of water a week.

Drought conditions in a forest can be harder to ward off than in your yard.

Typically a healthy pine tree can withstand the effects of a drought that is not prolonged. The key to keeping these forested stands healthy is ensuring that they are not overstocked.

Crowded growing conditions leads to trees being stressed due to competition. Stressed trees that are suffering from the effects of drought are prone to attack by insects and disease.

A final consideration for reducing the impacts of summer drought on forested stands is for landowners to plant pine seedlings in late November or December.

This allows the seedlings to establish a better root system once spring arrives.

As we saw last year, an exceptionally hot spring can stress seedlings planted in March or later.

Janet Steele is the Clemson University area extension agent for forestry and wildlife.