Trees can be hurt by poor drainage, too

Trees can be hurt by poor drainage, too

Being in a prolonged drought I was surprised to see the article “Too much water can shorten a tree’s life” by Jan Riggenbach. She makes some very valid points but left out an important one. She makes the point that we are killing our trees with kindness by overwatering them in the effort to keep our lawns lush and green. This is only partially true.

What is really the truth here is that many trees do not tolerate “wet feet.” Many trees will suffer due to the anaerobic (lack of oxygen) soils. Many trees and evergreens especially need this oxygen in the root zone. If the soil is poorly drained the tree’s life will be shortened. So, when one waters their lawn often, the tree planted in poorly drained soil is really whammied and basically drowns.

One can tell very easily if the soil is poorly drained, unfortunately often too late by digging a hole in the suspected area after heavy rains or frequent watering. Is the soil mucky and fouls smelling? If it is don’t try to plant anything there. If plants are necessary for screening or to provide shade then at least bring in some topsoil, mound it up or make a berm and plant the tree in this raised up bed of drier soil. It will love you for that.

I was surprised that Jan Riggenbach did not point this out with her credentials. Everything else in her article was right on. I am the horticulturist at the Carol Stream Park District and have been in the tree saving mode for over 30 years. Happy watering!

Rich Kruse

Carol Stream