The drought continues throughout the area. Read the latest drought impact report here>>>
A dynamic weather system approaches the area on Tuesday providing a good chance of measureable rain but the threat of severe weather, including a possible tornado, and damaging winds. Damaging winds could be widespread and a high wind watch has been issued. Read more here>>>
I have found that what seems like adequate watering during normal times falls far short in a very hot, dry year such as this. Information about fall needle drop, drought, and proper watering can be found in the links below. The current drought is severe and has expanded into most of southwest Ohio. The good news is that there are decent rain chances in the coming weeks. However, I will believe it when I see it. For now, continue watering and hope the rain comes through.
Fall needle drop: http://arbordoctor.com/blog1/?p=826
Monday drought impact report: http://arbordoctor.com/blog1/?p=842
Proper watering: http://arbordoctor.com/tools.html
US Drought Monitor: http://drought.unl.edu/dm/DM_midwest.htm
Weather forecast: click here>>>
5 day precipitation outlook: click here>>>
8-14 day precipitation outlook: click here>>>
Rainfall in the last week 0.15. Rainfall since September 1: 0.68. Rain last Wednesday evening looked good but was much too little to do more than dampen the surface. Otherwise, mild temperature, low humidities and drying winds have once again predominated over the past week, further intensifying the drought. Tree stress is severe. Trees have rapidly moved through their fall color stage and defoliated, leaving a landscape more normal for late November. I have seen an increasing number of mature spruce trees with heavy needle loss in landscapes. Several are dead and many more are dying. Quite a few shrubs are no better. Lawns are parched. Shrunken soil has pulled away from foundations leaving foundations to shift and crack. Current drought is combining with the after effects of the 2007 drought and somewhat lesser 2008 drought to intensify effects on local vegetation and trees. I am anticipating significant losses and after effects which will last for years. Most local ponds are low and stream flow is low or non-existent.
