Drought Relief for Trees in the Houston/Southeast Texas Area

The Houston area has been plagued with severe drought in both 2022 and now in 2023. Droughts pose a substantial threat to the health and vitality of common tree like oak, birch, and pine. At Cody’s Tree Service, Inc. we understand the intricacies of maintaining and nurturing trees amidst water scarcity and mandatory water conservation orders.

With our profound expertise and proven drought strategies, we will do our best to ensure your trees not only survive but thrive even through the harshest drought conditions. Contact us at (281) 391-3450 or email us to request a quote for tree drought relief service in Katy, West Houston, Fulshear, Cypress, Weston Lakes, or Waller County, Texas

Signs of Drought Damage on Trees

  • Fallen tree branches
  • Defoliation (losing limbs and leaves)
  • Yellowing leaves
  • Fungus cankers
  • Beetle infestation
  • Dieback (yellowing of tree around crown)
  • Termites
  • Slow or no growth

Droughts significantly affect trees, hindering their growth and weakening their natural defenses. Trees struggle to absorb essential nutrients when they do not have enough water making them susceptible to pests and diseases like oak wilt and Hypoxylon cankers (deadly fungus).

Leaves may wilt, turn brown, or prematurely shed, leaving the tree more vulnerable. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial in addressing drought-related issues before it’s too late to save the tree.

Oak trees are probably still recovering from the 2021 freeze when temperatures across the Houston area plummeted below freezing for several days, killing many animals, plants,  trees, and 2146 Texans. If you have not already had your oak trees fertilized since the freeze, what are you waiting for? Contact an arborist who can help protect your trees by installing a deep root feeding system, fertilizing granules, and fertilizer spray if needed.

Our Approach to Drought Relief

Our approach to drought relief includes assessing the tree’s health, diagnosing and treating any diseases or infestations, then formulating a tree watering and fertilizing schedule that adheres with the City of Katy’s stage 3 water conservation order or whatever guidelines your local jurisdiction mandates.

In Katy you can water your trees on Sunday or Thursday early in the morning or late at night (between midnight and 8:00am) if your address ends in an even number. If your address ends in an odd number you can water your trees Saturday and Wednesday. HOAs and commercial property owners can water their trees on Tuesday and Friday.

Our tree care experts then ensure proper mulching around the tree, leaving a moat around the base of the tree to prevent mold and moisture damage to the bark.

Drought Relief Services & Strategies

Some of our other drought relief strategies include the following. Click on a link on the list below to jump to the section about each drought relief service and strategy.


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Deep Root Watering

One of our key strategies is deep root watering. This method involves delivering water directly to the tree’s root zone, bypassing the surface where evaporation is more likely. We used specialized equipment deep root irrigators to ensure that water reaches deep into the soil, encouraging the roots to grow downwards in search of moisture.

Mulching for Moisture Retention

Mulching is another cornerstone of our approach. Applying a layer of organic mulch around the tree’s base serves multiple purposes. It prevents water runoff, suppresses weed growth that competes for moisture, and insulates the soil, reducing evaporation. Proper tree mulching helps maintain consistent soil moisture levels critical for tree health.

Fertilizing Treatment

We also develop a fertilization schedule for your trees, detailing dates for service that we recommend over the next couple years. The best way to prevent diseases and keep your trees healthy is to plan ahead with a fertilizing schedule.

Pruning & Thinning

Strategic pruning and thinning are integral to alleviating drought stress. By selectively removing dead, damaged, or excessive branches, we reduce the tree’s water demand. This enables the tree to allocate resources more effectively, focusing on sustaining essential areas.

Soil Aeration

Compacted soil can hinder water infiltration, making it essential to aerate the soil. Our experts employ techniques like soil fracturing to enhance porosity, facilitating water movement and root growth. Improved soil structure enhances the tree’s ability to access available water.

We also test soil to ensure the ph balance and level of nutrients is up to par and refresh mulching.

Select Drought Tolerant Species

In cases where planting new trees is a consideration, we advise choosing drought-tolerant species suitable for your region. These trees are naturally equipped to withstand water scarcity, requiring less intensive care during droughts.

What Types of Trees are Drought Tolerant in the Houston area?

Texas redbud, bur oak, vitex, cedar elm, American Sycamore, Live Oak, Montezuma cypress, and Mexican palm trees are all drought resistant trees that are compatible with the southeast Texas soil and climate. If you are going to have trees professionally planted we suggest going with drought resistant varieties.

Request Tree Drought Relief

Are your trees struggling and starting to display signs of illness or distress? Contact us to request a consultation and drought relief service to protect your trees. Trees that have undergone our drought relief program are not only more likely to survive droughts, they will also display enhanced vitality, resilience, and longevity.

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