Mature Trees are Struggling. Here are a few reasons why...

Warmer than average summer temperatures, torrential rain events, and severe drought weaken mature trees. Most homeowners assume that older trees do not require supplemental watering. In fact, the opposite is true because large trees are much more susceptible to extreme weather conditions since they are essentially in the "maintenance" stage of their life.

Trees do, to an extent, prepare for intermittent periods of harsh conditions by storing excess carbohydrates. Extended periods of drought may force a tree to deplete its reserves, which reduces its ability to fight off disease and insects.

The soil within a tree's root zone is critical to its long-term success. Soils that have poor drainage, are compacted, or have an unsuitable pH will not support microbial organisms that help trees access and absorb nutrients through their roots.

Trees can be tricky! They may not display outward signs of stress caused by unfavorable cultural conditions for many seasons. Then, suddenly, a stressed tree will have many branches die off in an attempt to preserve itself.

To find out more about caring for your mature trees, read my next blog entry.

– posted 11/1/2025