Are Your Trees Drought Stressed? How To Spot The Signs Before It's Too Late

August heat can be brutal. Not just for you, but for your trees too. Even well-established trees can suffer from drought stress, which weakens their structure, slows growth, and makes them more vulnerable to disease, pests, and storm damage. But the good news? If you catch the signs early, you can often save the tree and avoid costly removals down the line.

What is Drought Stress?

Drought stress occurs when a tree doesn’t receive enough water over a prolonged period. It can happen gradually during hot, dry months even if you're occasionally watering. The damage may not be obvious at first, but over time, it can severely impact the tree’s health and stability.

Common Signs of Drought Stress in Trees

1. Wilted, curling, or scorched leaves. Leaves may turn brown at the edges or roll inward. This is the tree’s attempt to reduce moisture loss.
2. Early leaf drop. If your tree is losing its leaves in August or early September, it may be a sign of drought stress.
3. Brittle or weak branches. Drought weakens wood. You might notice small dead branches falling unexpectedly.
4. Thinning canopy. A full, green canopy should still be present at this point in the season. If it looks sparse or uneven, your tree may be struggling.
5. Cracking bark or trunk wounds. Dehydrated trees can crack or split as the inner layers dry out.

Which Trees Are Most Vulnerable?

• Newly planted trees
• Shallow-rooted species like birches, dogwoods, and maples
• Trees in compacted soil or near hardscapes (driveways, patios)
• Trees competing with turfgrass for water

How to Help a Drought-Stressed Tree

• Water deeply, not frequently. A slow soak once or twice a week is better than a quick spray every day.
• Mulch to retain moisture. A 2–4 inch layer of organic mulch around the base helps keep roots cool and moist.
• Avoid pruning in extreme heat. Wait until fall unless there are safety hazards.
• Skip fertilizing. Drought-stressed trees can’t handle the extra load of processing fertilizer.

When to Call a Professional like 4 Seasons

If you're seeing signs of stress, or if you’re not sure, it's best to get a professional tree health assessment. We can determine whether your tree needs support, supplemental watering, or removal to prevent property damage. Catching drought stress early can mean the difference between a healthy tree and an expensive cleanup.

Schedule your drought inspection today and give your trees the relief they need to make it through the rest of summer and beyond.