Published: Saturday, August 18, 2012 1:08 AM CDT

As the dry conditions roll on with seemingly no end in sight, the drought has also taken its toll on trees in the area.

Dr. John Ball, forestry specialist with SDSU Extension, said the drought has had quite a bit of impact on trees throughout southeastern South Dakota.

He said that conifers in the area have been hit hardest, but evergreens, spruce and pine trees have also been hard, as they are all used to wetter conditions than has been prevalent this season.

One of the major impacts the dry and hot weather has had on trees has come through the form of stress-related pest problems taking their toll. When the weather is as dry and hot as it has been, it weakens trees so that other forces, like pests, can come in and finish them off.

“There has been some premature needle loss in trees in the area,” Ball said. “Some needles are turning yellow already, which shouldn’t happen in normal conditions.”

Ball noted that the warm winter caused added stress to conifers, and this dry and warm season has been a “major stress for trees in the area.”

One of the diseases impacting trees is Cytospra Canker. According to Colorado State University Extension, this is caused by several species of fungi and typically occurs on woody shrubs and trees, or parts of plants that are slightly stressed. The canker-causing fungi essentially surround the plant, killing the plant located above the canker.

The best way to get rid of the disease on impacted trees is to remove infected limbs on the trees that are impacted.

However, despite the dry conditions, Ball said that all hope is not lost. He said that if some rain comes into the area, trees can still improve.

“If fall rains occur and the winter is normal, many plants and trees will be able to survive this out,” Ball said. “However, lots of folks have invested decades in trees and hate to see them go.”

Ball noted that the conditions this summer, coupled with the warm winter, have led to the killing of a number of mature pine trees on properties throughout the area. The residents there have grown the trees for decades and use them as a screen for privacy from neighbors.

“The drought and hot weather has been affecting both very old and very young trees first,” Ball said. “The young, established and middle-aged trees have weathered this pretty well so far.”

Ball added August and September are the most crucial months for watering trees so they can survive the winter. He said the amount of time for watering trees varies based on the tree and soil. However, he said generally to water a tree for about 30 minutes a day on a lightly misting sprinkler or hose.

“When a green ring around the tree develops, it signals you’ve watered your tree just about right,” he noted.

Ball warned that watering trees too long can kill a tree. He said if you dig down about six inches into the soil and it stays wet, you should hold off on continuing to water the tree until it dries up.

“The minute this drought ends doesn’t necessarily mean that trees are fine again,” Ball noted. “Some people might have to spray their trees next spring in order to prevent diseases and pests from recurring.”

He added that SDSU Extension is trying to get the word out to people that they need to be watering their trees right now if rain does not come soon.

“Hopefully this drought will be a thing of the past and not a continuing problem,” Ball said.

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