How Drought and heat damage trees

Water is a very vital element for tree growth. Just like living things, trees need water for survival, insufficient water leads to stunted growth or even death of a tree. A certain range of temperature is or crucial for tree survival. Too much heat or cold is unhealthy for trees. Drought is associated with lack of, or little rain, below are the different ways on how drought damages trees. If you'd like to talk to a tree specialist after reading this articles, you can always visit www.lasvegastreetrimmers.com

How Does Drought Damage Trees

1. Damage and loss of roots. As moisture evaporates, feeder roots on the upper level of the soil shrink and are eventually lost. Loss of moisture from the soil also causes shrinking and heaving which cause physical damage to the roots. Eventually, the whole tree will dry up.
2. Leaves of affected tree start turning brown gradually from the edges to the center, thereafter, the plant assumes a scorched look. Smaller plants with shallow roots are the first to be affected before those with deep roots. Larger trees and shrubs tend to show a sudden onset of browning of all leaves.
3. Stunted growth. Drought inhibits the general growth of trees; those that survive do not grow to their normal size.

How Heat Damages Trees

Trees have a way of adapting to an increase in the surrounding heat level. This is just for a while, if the heat is consistent, it eventually damages the tree.

1. Melting of cell membranes. Cell membranes consist of lipids that are melted if a plant is exposed to extreme heat for a long duration of time. Enzymes and proteins are also deactivated and denatured. Eventually, the whole tree dies.
2. Excessive evapotranspiration. Excessive heat increases the rate of water loss from the leaves to a point when a tree shuts down its stomata to prevent more water loss. Closed stomata hinder the intake of carbon dioxide which is essential for food manufacture.
3. Wilting. Excess heat increases the rate of transpiration to a point when a tree is left with a little water for survival. Such trees appear dull with drooped or sagging leaves or stems.

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