Everyone knows that proper sunlight and adequate watering are key to excellent plant care, but it is absolutely possible to have too much of a good thing. With record-setting rainfall and high temperatures, it’s been a tough season for healthy plants in Winona, MN. For plant care enthusiasts and property owners, balancing hands-on care with nature’s interventions can be challenging. At Maier Tree and Lawn, we recommend keeping an eye out for signs of failing plant health as inclement weather continues.
Helping Plants Bounce Back After Extreme Weather
When a plant is struggling, it can be hard not to play doctor. This is especially true if it’s a species that is usually pretty hardy or a plant that you’re particularly fond of. A string of scorching hot days or a week of storms can stress plants, but it’s important not to overcompensate.
Effective plant care is all about consistency. Jumping into action and essentially “overhelping” a plant can sometimes be enough to knock it out for good. Barring severe physical damage to the plant, a lighter touch is often the safest bet when it comes to nursing your lawn and garden. Rather than throwing the whole kitchen sink at a struggling plant, make slight adjustments and watch for changes.
Resisting the Urge to Overwater
In extreme heat or drought, one of the major risks tends to be overwatering. It makes sense to reason that a wilting plant will perk up after a few rounds of hose-water, but one too many watering sessions can lead to further issues. In fact, in many species, wilting is a sign of either overwatering or underwatering. It’s unfortunate, but more water truly isn’t always a cure-all.
If your plants are yellowing, wilting, shrinking, or even rotting, too much water may be the culprit. While it’s harder to overwater outdoor plants, it’s certainly not impossible. At the first signs of a struggling plant, make sure you take a moment to evaluate what the cause could be before drenching it.
Relying on Plant Care Experts
Because of the huge array of environmental factors that could be impacting your outdoor plants, it can be helpful to consult a professional before attempting to treat them on a hunch. If your plants are struggling or reacting oddly following severe weather, a consultation with a plant care expert can help you create a care plan. At Maier Tree and Lawn, we can help you adjust your plant care based on current weather conditions as well as your property’s overall ecosystem.
If your Winona, MN area plants are showing signs of overwatering or are struggling after severe weather, Maier Tree and Lawn is here to help. Homeowners and property managers can contact us for support at (507) 454-7000 or visit our website to find out more information.