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6 Reasons Why Overwatering Trees Is a Bad Idea

By: Shelby McCullough| Published: August 22, 2022

Let us help you raise healthy and robust trees. Make an appointment today and call us at (407) 734-5854.

overwatering trees

Trees cannot talk or tell us when they have had too much water to drink. However, they can leave subtle clues that those in the know must decipher to fix the issue. Overwatering trees causes them to struggle to breathe, resulting in root rot or death.

Are you looking for a professional tree service company in Lake Mary? McCullough Tree Service has a team of certified arborists who provide comprehensive tree services to ensure your trees remain lush and green. Let’s look at the top reasons why overwatering trees is a bad idea: 

1.   Impacts Oxygen Levels

Trees require air to survive, just like humans. The roots help trees stay healthy by procuring nutrients and oxygen. If you overwater trees, the roots drown, causing poor growth, decaying branches, and a thinning canopy.

Root rot resulting from waterlogging causes long-term tree stress. Too much water in the soil prevents the roots from pulling oxygen from the ground. Additionally, compacted or moist soil prevents water from draining away from the root system, trapping moisture around the roots.

2.   Makes Leaves Fragile

Overwatered trees tend to have fragile leaves, even if the leaves look healthy and green. Other signs of trouble include light green, yellow, brittle, or wilted leaves. The absence of oxygen in waterlogged soil stunts tree growth and creates these dilapidated leaves.

3.   Sudden Mushroom Growth

Mushrooms growing at the base of a tree may look appealing, but they can be harmful. They indicate that, because of excess water, fungi have taken up residence on your tree, which can lead to a dangerous condition known as “root rot.” Rotted roots can’t provide a tree with nutrients, causing starvation.

4.   Incites Tree Sickness

Overwatering trees leads to abnormalities, decay, and mold. The presence of mold indicates that the tree has started rotting from within. Remove and cut away the rot immediately to keep it from taking over the entire tree.

5.   Blisters on Leaves

Leaf blistering, also known as edema, occurs when roots absorb water faster than the tree can utilize or expel through the leaves. Water pressure building up within the leaves makes the cells rupture, leaving dead cells visible on the undersides as blisters. This is not just unsightly but also harmful.

6.   Surrounding Area Stays Wet

Overwatering will make the area around the tree remain wet. Wet soil causes the new growth to wither or turn slightly yellow or green before it fully grows. To keep your trees in good health, water them in moderation.

Let McCullough Tree Service Protect Your Trees

McCullough Tree Service can help your tree stay hydrated and healthy by teaching you the proper water balance for the soil in your yard. Our team handles every aspect of tree care; visit us if you want to know the dangers of DIY tree removal. If your trees have suffered from overwatering and need time to heal, we can tell you the next steps to take.

Contact McCullough Tree Service for more information on overwatering trees and expert tree care. Call us at (407) 734-5854.

Shelby McCullough

About The Author: Shelby McCullough

With over two decades of experience in the tree industry, Shelby McCullough is a highly skilled certified arborist and the proprietor of McCullough Tree Service. His unparalleled expertise and profound understanding of trees set him apart in his field.