Extension

David Hillock, Senior Extension Specialist in Consumer Horticulture and Statewide Master Gardener Coordinator

To survive the summer months, plants must have relief from hot, dry periods, especially this time of year. Here are some suggestions to help combat this challenge.

• Evaluate your priorities. If irrigation is limited, some areas may need to be sacrificed for the good of others. Established trees and shrubs are a good example of plants that should be at the top of the list, as they are virtually irreplaceable. Established trees take many years to replace when one is lost. Perennials and seasonal plants might be your second priority. Well established bermudagrass lawns can tolerate quite a bit of drought if necessary and will recover once irrigation is resumed.
  
• Identify the root zone of important plants. Do not water areas that are of no benefit. Trees and shrubs usually have roots that extend at least to the drip line or reach of the branches and often go well beyond that.
• Apply water directly to the ground, if possible, to reduce loss of water through wind or evaporation. Applying water directly to the ground and root areas, keeping the foliage dry, can also reduce foliar diseases. Drip systems or a soft-spray head or water wand are generally more efficient than pop up sprays. Drip irrigation kits can be found at most home improvement and garden stores and are easy to install.
• Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the soil type, in the early morning or late evening. This will encourage deep roots. Avoid run-off so you do not waste water.
• Mow grass a little higher. Taller grass shades the roots. Do not fertilize during droughts.
• Mulch, mulch, mulch. Use 1 to 3 inches of organic mulch on landscape beds and around trees. Keep mulch away from direct contact with the base of plants to avoid rot. Some communities offer free mulch. Use it! It keeps the ground cooler, blocks weeds, and conserves moisture.
• Plant natives or well adapted exotic plants. Native plants withstand our droughts and crazy weather quite well. Research those that do best in your area of the state. Natives from eastern Oklahoma may not do as well in western Oklahoma.