Extremely Wet Soils

Last June, we had record flooding, soggy lawns and streets with puddles or barricades.  This exceedingly wet weather has placed trees at risk too.  We all know that trees in flooded areas are in danger, but for the average lawn tree, the risks are just as real… and the ones at most immediate risk are the evergreens. 
The Colorado Blue Spruce is one of the most common conifers in northern Indiana.  It is, however, not native here and faces problems in our general climate even under normal circumstances.  And now, please remember: Water-logged soils WILL KILL YOUR SPRUCE!
Why?  The simple explanation is that water pushes the oxygen out of the soil so the roots die.   Spruce do not regenerate new roots like deciduous trees and they will spend the year in a weakened state.  This, coupled with a very common pathogen, Cystosporia  canker, means severe needle cast-off, dead tops, and even browning throughout entire sections of the tree within the next year.
For some trees, it's too late, but others can be revived if triage is engaged yet throughout the summer and fall.
If your lawn is soggy, all your trees are at risk, even the ones that like water (like willows)!  If you have spruce and pine, however, it’s smart to prepare for the worst, so contact us for solutions right away.