Early summer in the Pacific Northwest

Early Summer 2025

Everything is a balance. As we’ve had a fairly dry spring so far, we thankfully have not had a recurrence of powdery mildew- few sprouts of big leaf maple have survived the last two years’ intense infection. Weeping Atlas cedars are mostly still blue-green, with little sign of pink needles-these pathogenic fungi have not had enough humidity to sustain growth. However, because we’ve had dry spring, I am already seeing signs of drought stress.Remember to add the correct type (coniferous or deciduous) of mulch under drip lines and around plants to retain soil moisture and keep soil temperatures cooler. It is important to only add 3-4” measured depth of organic mulch as more will prevent precipitation from reaching the soil surface. Also, when a tree is sizable enough to make a significant impact to site health and hazard potential, it may behoove you to monitor soil moisture near the tree weekly as well as the tree itself for signs of drought, pathogens, and other stressors. I find myself recommending watering of large, native trees near homes quite often- even these remnant forest trees MUST be thought as part of the managed landscape if near valuable infrastructure/ people. Not only that, but due to the degradation of their natural environment, errant pulses of precipitation and heat, and the challenges of “edge” stressors, uncared for larger native trees will have to become naturally smaller to retain resources or expire. Try to retain lower branches of these trees or keep shade on the soil surface above the root crown. Remember, it is time to prune lilacs right after the fade of blossoms; it is stone fruit pruning time as well with cherries preferably at the beginning of a hot, dry week. If you want a rundown of your property and its ability to support healthy plant life, let me know.

Yours- In- Trees

Sal

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