Trees Will Feel Effects Of Drought for Years
By: Sophie Nielsen-Kolding WMBD/WYZZ TV
Updated: September 25, 2012
PEORIA- The worst of the drought is over in Central Illinois, but people can still see some of the effects in their own back yard.
Even though the area has seen rain recently, it hasn't helped. Tree leaves are spotty and changing color early.
"Generally after the October 15th, generally they start turning, but this year they're turning really early," said Milard Daily, owner of Tree Preservers in Peoria.
Daily said the soil is so dry, trees thought fall came early. Even if the recent rain continues to fall.
"The soil is going to take all the moisture it can first before the tree gets it," Daily said.
The trees have been running on reserve energy, energy that's meant to be used in winter.
"Once that's used up these trees are going to look much worse than they are now."
Daily said the problem isn't going away any time soon.
"These trees are going to be suffering for the next two to three years because they've had root loss."
Daily said plenty of fertilizer and water should help, but people shouldn't water too much before the trees lose their leaves.
Even though the area has seen rain recently, it hasn't helped. Tree leaves are spotty and changing color early.
"Generally after the October 15th, generally they start turning, but this year they're turning really early," said Milard Daily, owner of Tree Preservers in Peoria.
Daily said the soil is so dry, trees thought fall came early. Even if the recent rain continues to fall.
"The soil is going to take all the moisture it can first before the tree gets it," Daily said.
The trees have been running on reserve energy, energy that's meant to be used in winter.
"Once that's used up these trees are going to look much worse than they are now."
Daily said the problem isn't going away any time soon.
"These trees are going to be suffering for the next two to three years because they've had root loss."
Daily said plenty of fertilizer and water should help, but people shouldn't water too much before the trees lose their leaves.
