With dry conditions persisting across much of Nebraska, forestry professionals are encouraging residents to prioritize watering trees to reduce stress and prevent long-term damage to community landscapes.
Limited soil moisture, low winter precipitation, and fluctuating temperatures can weaken trees and make them more vulnerable to pests, disease, and decline. The Nebraska Forest Service advises that trees — especially those newly planted or young — should take priority over turfgrass when watering during dry periods. Deep watering that reaches 8–12 inches into the soil helps sustain root systems and improve drought resilience.
“Right now, it’s all about helping our landscapes survive these conditions,” said Kaden Vowers, Assistant Community Forester with the Nebraska Forest Service in western Nebraska. “Trees need adequate moisture to withstand stress from dry soils and temperature swings. Giving them water now greatly improves their chances of staying healthy long term.”
