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>>>