Generous rains fell on the northern and eastern parts of the metro area last weekend. Over 4 inches of rain has fallen in Anderson Township this month. In the meantime, the southwestern part of the metro area is languishing in heat and short term developing drought. Only 0.96 inch of rain has fallen at my Cheviot 0.9 SSE location in July, compared to 2.40 inches last July. Temperatures have been 90 or above on 13 days. Tree and plant stress in those areas is worsening, and lawns are browning. The heat will continue and may challenge the all time record for consecutive 90 degree days. Watering in the dry areas is becoming a matter of plant life and death.
…Heat Wave Continues…
Published: Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:00:08 EDT
The heat wave continues over the central United States and is expected to expand eastward during the week. Heat index values in the triple digits are forecast across a large portion of the Midwest today, making it feel like 100 to 110 degrees or higher during the afternoon hours. The large area of high pressure responsible for the heat will expand eastward by midweek, with temperatures reaching the mid-90s in the Mid-Atlantic states as early as Wednesday. Further out, this dome of high pressure is forecast to dominate most of the eastern and central U.S. — bringing excessive heat to much of the eastern half of the country except for the Northeast and southern Florida — through the end of next week. Details…
New trees and shrubs may be thirsty, or maybe not…!
For those who have planted new trees or plants in the past year or two, we need to pay attention!
It is hot out there and many areas haven’t had rain for 10 days or more. Good spring and early summer rains have given us good soil moisture down deep, but the upper layers are dry in many areas and getting dryer. Check the soil with your fingers BEFORE watering to be sure it is dry. In many cases there is still moisture there either at the surface or below. The biggest water problems I have seen so far are more related to over reaction than drought. A few properties are being killed with kindness as irrigation systems are run daily and soils are flooded. Please see this link for tips on good watering practices.
Proper watering, not too much or too little, is imperative for new trees and transplants. Improper watering can kill plants and trees and void warranties. Cincinnati soils are particularly difficult since our clay is often poorly drained and wet and dry areas can be found in close proximity. There are few rules of thumb which are universal, even over the same property.