It can be tough to keep trees healthy in a desert climate. The desert is a land of extremes. From brutally hot temperatures and bone-dry earth to windy storms and downpours that cause flash floods, this extreme climate poses some unique challenges for home landscapes. With the help of a professional landscaping company, you can help your trees withstand these difficulties.
Too Little Water
Rainfall is scarce in desert climates. Planting native trees that are naturally drought-resistant is one way to combat this problem. However, eventually, even these hardy trees can show the ill effects of too little water. Trees that aren’t receiving enough water may show signs of wilting. The leaves may curl or turn brown at the edges. The leaves may also be off-color, undersized, or yellowish.
Too Much Water
Overwatering and heavy rains during monsoon season can be just as problematic as giving your trees too little water. If the leaves look wilted, yet the ground is moist and you’ve been giving the tree plenty of water, then you’ve probably overwatered it. Overwatering can also cause the leaves to turn brown or yellow. Edema is another sign of overwatering. It occurs when the cells have absorbed so much water that they begin bursting. This appears as blisters or lesions on the leaves. These spots may turn dark or white. You can stick your finger into the soil near the base of the tree to determine if the soil is too moist.
Insect Infestations
Trees in desert climates are just as vulnerable to insect attacks as trees elsewhere. Some of the insects that may affect desert trees include bark beetles, woodborers, and aphids. Bark beetles in particular tend to affect conifer trees. These pests prefer to attack trees already weakened by disease or rot. Insect infestations can be tricky to eliminate. It’s best to consult a professional landscaper for advice.
The professional landscapers at Complete Landscaping can accurately diagnose and effectively treat any problem that’s affecting your trees and plants. We also design beautiful, custom installations for homes and businesses throughout the Tucson area. Give us a call today at (520) 323-8918.