This January- June were the wettest six months on record in Illinois. We had a total of 27.7 inches, which is 8.3 inches above average. Flooding has been a big problem in many areas. What effects will all this moisture have on trees?
Flooding and Potential Effects on Trees
(from US Forest Service factsheet)
- Poor soil aeration- lack of oxygen for roots
- Change in soil pH
- Decreased decomposition of organic matter and potentially damaging byproducts
- Deposits of sediment may smother roots
- Exposure of roots from soil washed away
- Damage from floating debris
- Damage from chemicals in the water
- Cold, fast moving water carries more oxygen- will be less harmful
- Some species can tolerate several feet of water for a time, but few can tolerate more than a month of standing water.
- The more of the tree under water, the more chance for injury (especially when it gets to the foliage).
- Mature trees are more tolerant than seedlings (or aging/declining trees)
- Healthy trees tolerate flooding better than stressed trees.
- Trees that can maintain roots, go dormant, or grow adventitious roots are better equipped to survive.
- Even the healthiest, most flood tolerant trees will not tolerate complete submersion.
-Mary T. McClelland- GreenTech
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