Guidance for Nebraska Homeowners on Tree Care Amidst Unprecedented Drought
Nebraska is grappling with one of its warmest winters since the Dust Bowl, coupled with extensive drought conditions. State forestry officials are now urging residents to pay close attention to their trees to mitigate potential damage.
Brad Kindler, a sustainable landscape specialist at the Nebraska Forest Service, emphasizes the vulnerability of recently planted trees to drought stress. “A tree that’s been planted within the last one to three years needs supplemental water as a way to get that root system tapped into the existing soil structure,” Kindler stated. In contrast, trees established for many years have a more robust root system.
Recognizing signs of drought stress can vary by tree type. Evergreens, which maintain photosynthesis through winter, are particularly prone to winter drought and should be watered early in spring. Conversely, deciduous trees, which become dormant in winter, may not exhibit drought damage until later in their growth cycle. Homeowners should be vigilant for signs such as wilting or yellowing leaves.
According to Mike Comstock, Lincoln parks operations coordinator, homeowners should assess tree damage in late spring when trees begin to bud. He advised, “If there’s any concern on larger trees, they probably should have it inspected by a certified arborist,” especially for trees near homes.
Kindler supports watering stressed trees even if they show pest or disease signs, noting, “The act of watering really gives it the opportunity to hopefully overcome whatever issues might be associated with other types of opportunistic infections.” However, if a tree’s structural integrity is compromised, it might be beyond saving, though treatment could still be considered based on its value or significance.
The Nebraska Forest Service suggests providing five gallons of water weekly during a tree’s establishment phase, which spans a couple of years. This can be adjusted if the tree receives at least an inch of rainfall per week. Water should be applied around the tree’s drip line, and mulch is recommended to conserve soil moisture and shield the tree from lawn equipment.
For drought-prone regions, native and locally adapted species are preferable as they are more resilient once established. The bur oak, for example, is notably drought-resistant throughout Nebraska. Other suitable species include hackberries, ponderosa pine, and limber pine, particularly in western areas.
However, prolonged drought over the past six years has adversely affected some native trees in eastern Nebraska, including those at Ponca State Park. This has increased pressure on forestry crews to replenish the state’s aging tree canopy.
In response, Lincoln annually plants 500 to 600 trees in parks with volunteer support each spring and fall. The city’s street tree voucher program offers residents $300 in cost-share assistance for planting trees in designated areas. Residents manage initial watering, while the city handles long-term care. Applications are available on the city of Lincoln’s website.
Currently, there is no widespread occurrence of Hypoxylon canker in the state, but Kindler stresses that minimizing stress, ensuring proper watering, and monitoring for pests are crucial preventative measures.
Despite these challenges, Kindler encourages continued tree planting. “The best time to plant a tree is 10 years ago,” he noted. “Even in the context of drought, our hope is that people are out there planting trees and managing the landscapes they have, because the benefits of these trees are important to us statewide.”
