Q: I’ve noticed that sometimes trees drop their twigs and leaves in the summer. Is this normal for certain species or is this an indication of a problem?
The terms for what you are seeing are “summer dormancy,” “summer leaf drop,” and “cladoptosis,” the latter meaning “a branch” and “falling.” By whatever name, what you see is a reaction to stress. Read more…
Trees properly placed around a house can save you money and help cool your house in the summer. This is according to the U.S. Forest Service Center for Urban Forest Research, but the concept is easy for everyone to understand. Go outside sometime this summer and stand in the sun for a few minutes. Then walk over to your nearest tree and stand in the shade. I bet you will notice that the shade the tree provides is much cooler than standing in full sun. This same concept can be replicated by planting trees in the right places to cast shadows on your house during different times of the day. Find out where to plant around your house and what trees are best.
Q: I’ve planted some drought-tolerant species that later died during the hot summer months.
If they are listed as drought-tolerant, shouldn’t this be a guarantee against mortality in the dry period?
Trees listed as drought-tolerant are those that have genetically adapted to sites in their native habitat that regularly experience prolonged dry spells. However, all newly-planted trees can use some help from us.