Decide which trees and plants to prioritize when water is limited.
Most Texans are more than ready for an end to what seems like a neverending heat wave. Your garden plants, trees and lawn most likely would echo that same sentiment if they could.
“Many of us are on water restrictions, meaning we can only water limited amounts,” said Larry Stein, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticultural specialist, Uvalde.
“If you don’t have enough water for your entire yard or garden, it’s best to concentrate on the most valuable plants in your landscape, which is probably your trees.”
“The species of tree should be considered when determining which ones should be prioritized for resources,” he said. “In Texas, long-lived trees such as oaks, pecans and elms should be prioritized over ash or mulberry, etc. An ash tree planted here only has a short lifespan anyway.”
The edge of a tree’s canopy, or drip line, and outward should dictate where you water the ground. Water should be concentrated at the drip line because it is where it is needed to reach the most effective roots.
During times of drought, established trees can probably get by on 1 to 2 gallons per inch of trunk diameter, once a week. A little bit of water is better than no water. A few inches of mulch around the drip line will help a tree retain moisture, and watering early in the morning and in the evening will prevent as much evaporation loss as possible. Using a hose, drip system or bubbler to water is more efficient than sprinklers.
Keep the big landscape picture in mind when facing water restrictions When deciding where water is best utilized, people should also consider the cost to replace a tree or plant and how long it would take to get them to the size they want. Mature trees add curb appeal and can raise the value of your home.
When planting new trees, people need to keep in mind to plant them far enough apart and consider the resources they will require and the size they may ultimately grow to be, he said.
“The things you just planted, those are the most critical,” he said. “Until new trees and plants have time to become established, they need water that first year. Even if folks have planted natives, without water those native plants can’t survive.”
“Now is a good time to assess what plants aren’t doing well and decide you may need to move on without them or replace them with something better suited to your region and conditions in the future,” said Stein. “Decide what is thriving, struggling and what needs to be removed. Whatever summer took a toll on this year won’t have it any easier next season.”
Texas Superstar are plants that are highly recommended by AgriLife Extension for their ability to thrive in Texas. The Texas Superstar designation indicates that the plant has performed well for growers, is easy to propagate, widely available and reasonably priced.
“It isn’t a question of if, but when rain will come,” Stein said. “We just have to hang in there until then and start making future decisions for our yards that take into account Texas has heatwaves and droughts.”