Nebraska Forest Service, (Courtesy)
NEBRASKA — With dry conditions persisting across much of Nebraska, forestry professionals are encouraging residents to prioritize watering trees to reduce stress and prevent long-term damage to community landscapes.
Limited soil moisture, low winter precipitation, and fluctuating temperatures can weaken trees and make them more vulnerable to pests, disease, and decline. The Nebraska Forest Service advises that trees — especially those newly planted or young — should take priority over turfgrass when watering during dry periods. Deep watering that reaches 8–12 inches into the soil helps sustain root systems and improve drought resilience.
“Right now, it’s all about helping our landscapes survive these conditions,” said Kaden Vowers, Assistant Community Forester with the Nebraska Forest Service in western Nebraska. “Trees need adequate moisture to withstand stress from dry soils and temperature swings. Giving them water now greatly improves their chances of staying healthy long term.”
Key recommendations for effective tree watering during drought include:
• Prioritize young and newly planted trees, which have less established root systems and are most vulnerable to water stress.
• Water deeply and infrequently — this encourages roots to grow downward and improves drought resilience.
• Apply water under the tree’s canopy (drip line) to ensure it reaches the critical root zone.
• Use mulch around trees to help retain soil moisture and moderate soil temperature.
Even established trees benefit from supplemental watering during extended dry spells.
For detailed drought care guidance, visit: nfs.unl.edu/dealing-drought
