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Drought Watering
Weather cycles come and go. Dry cycles are categorized according to severity; in the last 10 years in Southeastern Pennsylvania, we have had four declared droughts. Only two of these droughts (the recent drought in 2002 and the one in 1999) have been declared drought emergencies. That means in less than five years we have had two droughts at the most extreme level. This dry pattern will take some years to work through, but with a little help from us our plants can deal with dryer weather.
On the front line of the fight: Mulch
This stuff (any material used to cover the ground but is typically ground wood or bark, pine needles, straw or stones) not only comes in different colors, textures and types but also helps the soil retain moisture. Mulch is not a wonder cure for droughts, but it does address the specific needs of plants. They like their roots cool and moist, and they like organic matter: all conditions that are affected adversely by drought. They don’t like to compete with weeds for these. Mulch helps soil stay cool and it reduces weeds. It can even be used as a soil amendment.
Too much of a good thing, even mulch, can have adverse effects; preventing water penetration and gas exchange in the roots. When no air or water can penetrate a thick covering of mulch, the tree will decline and possibly die. Additionally, mulch that is too deep can become slimy or crusty, which is not esthetically pleasing. The ideal mulch depth is two inches.
Dos and Don’ts For Irrigation
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Do properly mulch your plants, and once that is done, deliver that precious water directly to where it is most useful to the plant, and the roots. There are two appropriate methods that do not waste water with very little lost to evaporation: drip or soak.
(A special note about lawns: this is the only situation where sprinklers are effective but during a drought you may not be allowed to water lawns at all. New sod and seeded lawns can be hand watered, but only to help the sod or seed become established) Please note: established lawns will go dormant during droughts. They will even turn brown, but unless there is heavy traffic that destroys the turf’s roots, the grass will recover in a very short time when the rains return. The brown may be hard to look at, but no real permanent damage is being done.)
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DON’T trust local media coverage – if it sizzles, they will sell it. Their objectivity ended when Walter Cronkite retired. For information about how much you are allowed to water check an unbiased, informed source for recommendations and information about changing water allowances such as your state agricultural website.
The various governmental agencies that monitor and regulate how water is used in the event of drought have created common sense guidelines. Most municipalities will allow you to hand water with a shut off valve. The theory behind this is simple: someone needs to be physically present to monitor the water flow and shut off the water in the event of a problem.
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DO water thoroughly. Slow, deep watering draws plant roots out further into the soil. A good expansive root system helps plants endure dry spells and droughts. Quick, shallow watering keeps the roots close to the plant and restricts their ability to find needed moisture in dry weather. (This is a good practice for raising resilient children, also.)
Watering plants properly may seem boring and dull, but it is one of the most important things you can do for your plants. In professional nurseries, others often tease the person who waters and sometimes the waterer thinks they are being punished. I always remind the waterer that it is due to their attention to detail that they have been given the privilege of watering. Water brings plants life; in return plants give us cleaner air and cleaner water. Helping plants deal with drought is important, easy, and the least we can do to help ourselves.
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