THE ARBOR DOCTOR

Very dry conditions continue, and little or no rain is forecast over the next two weeks.  Furthermore, after a nice cool down this week, we will return to nasty levels of heat next week.

I have noticed many people are not doing much watering.  I can understand that this is one way to save money in a down economy.  However, as Tony Sands, a TV weatherman in the 70’s, commonly said, “when you dance, you have to pay the fiddler.”

Proper watering does not mean running up huge water bills.  After the 2007 drought and heat wave, we saw thousands of dollars in tree losses and increased insect and disease activity which continue to this day.  Strategic watering can be the difference between life and death for plants, trees, and shrubs. 

For more information, as well as rain gauges and sprinklers, click here>>>

Recent drought impact reports from near Cincinnati.  Click on the county for the reports:

Hamilton County, OH

Boone County, KY

Ripley County, Indiana

Dearborn County, Indiana

It is important to remember as dry or drought conditions persist to water landscape plants correctly and measure water you are applying.  Read more>>>

If you think it has been exceptionally humid this summer in the tri-state, you are not alone. In fact, when going back through hourly observations taken at the greater Cincinnati Airport (KCVG) since 1948, a period of 62 years, it turns out the current meteorological Summer (June through August) is tied for the highest average dewpoint since hourly dewpoint readings became available in 1948.  Read more>>>

Additionally, while some areas got downpours Wednesday, many areas were missed, leading to increasingly dry and droughty conditions in many areas.  Many plants are in drought and heat stress at this time, and lawns are turning brown.  Read more>>>

The weekly update from Ohio State, the Buckeye Yard and Garden Line, stated that “many on this week’s call have been on the receiving end of recent rains.”  That may be, but from my observation it missed much of the Cincinnati metro area. 

In the past week, I have measured only 0.10 inches of rainfall with plentiful 90 degree temperatures, topping out at 99, and rapid drying rates.  The forecast is bleak with more oppressive heat in the forecast next week and little or no rain.

Lawns are turning brown and new trees and transplants may not survive without water.  This is the time which could mean life or death for new trees and shrubs in particular.  Most plant warranties are voided if the plants are not watered properly.

For watering information, sprinklers, and rain gauges, click here>>>.

Remember to water, and stay cool.

June rainfall totalled 6 to 9 inches in the Greater Cincinnati area.  Temperatures in June continued to be well above normal.  This combination of wet weather and hot weather led to scattered moisture stress in some plants, scattered root rot, increases in leaf diseases such as apple scab, and continued rapid progression of plant bloom times and pest emergence’s. 

While total rainfall was double normal in June, hot weather led to fast drying rates.  Therefore, smaller plants and new transplants may still need water.  Clay soil dries slowly even if the surface looks dry.  Check soil moisture with your fingers to see if soil is dry and water is needed.

More information on correct watering:  http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortihints/0108a.html

Buy sprinklers and rain gauges here:  http://arbordoctor.com/tools.html

The Storm Prediction Center is forecasting …severe thunderstorms expected over parts of the mid Mississippi and Ohio valleys this afternoon and tonight.  The worst weather may be just north of Cincinnati, but severe weather is also possible in Cincinnati.   Please read the latest public statement about this event.

Hazardous weather outlook here

Depending on how much rain actually falls, conditions have become quite dry in Cincinnati and watering is actually recommended, especially fo new transplants and vulnerable plants.

The NOAA Climate Prediction Center has issued its monthly El Nino/Southern Oscillation discussion, which also includes a La Nina Watch. This indicates that La Nina–a cooling of Equatorial Pacific Ocean waters–is expected during the next three months. This could enhance the strength of the Atlantic hurricane season. Details…

* UNTIL 6 PM EDT THIS EVENING

* OCCASIONAL SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL MOVE ACROSS SOUTHEAST  INDIANA…NORTHERN KENTUCKY AND SOUTHERN OHIO THROUGH THIS  AFTERNOON. RAIN WILL BE HEAVY AT TIMES WITH RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 3  TO 5 INCHES POSSIBLE THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON.

Read more here>>>

An unstable airmass will overspread the area today. This airmass will combine with strong winds aloft to set the stage for severe thunderstorms later today and tonight as a cold front moves in from the west.

A few thunderstorms may develop out ahead of the cold front during the early and mid afternoon hours. If storms do develop this afternoon, they may take the form of supercells, capable of producing very large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes.

Read more here>>>