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Drought declared across the Cincinnati area and mid-Ohio valley

As we continue through what is the 10th of the last 11 months with below normal rainfall, drought conditions continue to worsen and intensify across the Cincinnati area and middle Ohio valley.  In a move which can only be classified as rather late to the ball, the U.S. Drought Monitor finally moved the Cincinnati area into the moderate drought category this week.

The weather pattern shows little change for the foreseeable future.  In fact, hotter weather appears to be joining the drought again next week.  I have noticed many people are not doing much watering.  I can understand that this is one way to save money in a down economy.  However, as Tony Sands, a TV weatherman in the 70’s, commonly said, “when you dance, you have to pay the fiddler.”

Proper watering does not mean running up huge water bills.  After the 2007 drought and heat wave, we saw thousands of dollars in tree losses and increased insect and disease activity which continue to this day.  Strategic watering can be the difference between life and death for plants, trees, and shrubs. 

This drought is bad and getting worse.  The levels of drought stress WILL kill trees and shrubs short and long term.  The way to avoid or limit costly losses and increased insect and disease problems for years to come is to water NOW!

For more information on correct watering practices, as well as rain gauges and sprinklers, click here>>>

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Drought delayng some projects

Services such as vertical mulching, radial trenching, and root collar excavation require good soil moisture for best results.  While we can water in conjunction with such treatments, experience has shown that the best results are yielded when soil moisture is naturally good.

Rainfall has been below average for nine of the past ten months, with very dry conditions combined with very warm temperatures for a good part of the summer.  Drought conditions are worsening across the area.  For this reason, we have delayed some of this work in the hopes that natural soil moisture conditions improve. 

As the fall progresses, temperatures cool, slowing evaporation rates.  We can only hope that rainfall increases as well.  One way or another, we will proceed with the work.  Just be aware that we have not forgotten you and we will take care of things for you.

In the meantime, be sure to water your trees and shrubs.  We are seeing increased stress and defoliation, and experience has shown that such stresses lead to decline or death in either the short or long term.

How do I water and how often?  No matter what type of sprinkler you chose, or if you use a sprinkler system, it is essential that you measure the water applied with a straight sided can or rain gauge. In the Cincinnati area, in areas with clay soil, it is best to water one to two inches at a time, once every seven to ten days in the absence of rainfall. This schedule should be adjusted to account for variations in temperature, natural rainfall, exposure of individual plants and the water needs of individual plants. Do not locate plants together if their water needs are dissimilar.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.