TechNotes Tips - 07.18.02

Extended hot dry weather through most of the United States this summer has resulted in the browning or dying of many ornamental and small trees in the landscape. There may be prior stresses that predisposed these plants to the heat and drought stresses including poor soil type, wrong planting location, and plant stress from previous years. However, most of the current ornamentals and trees have weakened and restricted root systems that can not support the plants foliage. The first reaction from homeowners may be to race out and fertilize and water the trees. Many horticulturists believe that this will make the situation worse. Trying to promote new leaf growth will only make the situation worse. The root system will be unable to support the new growth. It may be better to just leave the tree alone.

Kentucky bluegrass lawns in many parts of the Midwest have been dormant for 3 to 4 weeks. Invariably the question arises how long can the lawn remain dormant and still recover. There is no hard research available but generally Kentucky bluegrass can remain dormant indefinitely.