Dying trees all around Salina and Saline Co. - Ask Extension
I've questioned Chip Miller on this issue in the past but haven't gotten any direct answer. Does anyone know what's going on with all the dying trees...
Knowledgebase
Dying trees all around Salina and Saline Co. #127162
Asked May 14, 2013, 2:35 PM EDT
I've questioned Chip Miller on this issue in the past but haven't gotten any direct answer. Does anyone know what's going on with all the dying trees? They are very pale (no, it's not because they're supposed to be or that it's Spring) and have been pale for years until they eventually don't foliate in the Spring and die. Our parks look terrible with probably 50% of them dying or already dead. The city cuts down live healthy trees and leaves the dead ones. The ones that are dying are many varieties with maybe the exception of Osage Orange and Hackberry. Please find out why we're losing our beautiful trees. No one plants new ones when they die. Thank you for your information. Marcia Graham
Saline County Kansas
Expert Response
Marcia,
The most common reason we see trees decline is environmental stress. The last few years have been very hard on trees. We had extremely hot and dry summer in both 2011 and 2012. We also had a very difficult winter from 2011-2012. Not difficult because it was cold but difficult because it was warm and dry. Trees with root systems already damaged from the summer were then put under more moisture stress during the winter; causing even more root damage. Eventually the tree cannot pick up the water and nutrients it needs even when conditions are better and spirals into decline. Hopefully this will be a better year and trees that are not already too far gone can start to build up energy reserves. Watering during dry weather is the most important thing you can do for these trees.
Ward Upham
The most common reason we see trees decline is environmental stress. The last few years have been very hard on trees. We had extremely hot and dry summer in both 2011 and 2012. We also had a very difficult winter from 2011-2012. Not difficult because it was cold but difficult because it was warm and dry. Trees with root systems already damaged from the summer were then put under more moisture stress during the winter; causing even more root damage. Eventually the tree cannot pick up the water and nutrients it needs even when conditions are better and spirals into decline. Hopefully this will be a better year and trees that are not already too far gone can start to build up energy reserves. Watering during dry weather is the most important thing you can do for these trees.
Ward Upham
OK, thanks much! I hope other folks are aware of this also and water their trees this summer.
