Irrigation Challenges
Although leaves may be the most recognizable sign of tree damage, it is best to know other long-term signs of underwatering or inconsistent watering. Effects of drought can be recognized throughout a tree. If underwatering happens during a growing period, it can lead to decreased diameter growth and height. More than 80% of the variation in tree growth is because of water supply. Lack of water can lead to poor resistance to other stresses, disruption of fruit production, and throw off its regular cycle of growth and dormancy. A critical point is reached when water is so inadequately available that tree tissues and processes are damaged. Finally, lack of water can eventually lead to tree death.
If trees are not watered properly, several visible effects will emerge and noticeably hamper trees' beauty and health. For well-established trees, wilted or curling leaves develop, much like garden plants that are low on water. These leaves may also turn brown at the tips or edges as the lack of watering continues. For trees early in the season, they are likely to add a sparse collection of leaves rather than their normal fullness due to a lack of water. These leaves are more likely to be off-colour, develop leaf scorch, or yellow quickly. For trees at all stages of life, trees will turn to their fall colour and drop leaves much earlier than usual — meaning a shorter time to enjoy their beauty.
Water is precious. Ineffective and inefficient water use is wasteful and potentially harmful to animals, humans, and tree and plant growth.
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Greenways are increasingly essential parts of nearly every city landscape in North America. Trees have become significant elements of the urban landscape and are increasingly viewed as an indication of the health of a city. Trees are sometimes described as a city's lungs, providing the life-breath of the city.
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Due to changing weather patterns and seasons of rain and drought, a tree root's moisture condition is never optimal. It is likely too moist or too dry.
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Timers are often used for watering, but they release on a regular schedule,
not when the soil needs them the most.
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There is a significant inability to regulate water release. Timers are often used but release on a regular schedule, not when the soil needs them the most.
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The timed release schedule of water sprinklers fails to account for precipitation in the watering process. Water is often used on days when adequate rainfall has already fallen.
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One major component of adjusting watering levels is according to tree type. Some trees just need more water or are more easily stressed. Typical watering systems cannot adjust to tree types.
Manual watering is labour-intensive due to the frequent water replenishment requirement. A day of rain in a city does not mean that every area of the city received equal levels of rainfall. Careful inspection is the only way to know the soil moisture levels. Manual labour and the cost of service to scrutinize soil moisture can be quite elevated.