In this Delaware Today article, Mike Holleran from Davey's Wilmington office shares advice on how to identify trees that need some help during a drought. 

Posted: June 09, 2025

In the hot season, the toll that drought takes on trees is hard to ignore. Trees provide shade, cleaner air, and essential cooling, but many already show signs of decline. “Decades of environmental stress, including compacted soil from development, improper watering practices, and shifting landscapes have left our trees vulnerable,” says ISA-certified arborist Mike Holleran with The Davey Tree Expert Company in Wilmington.

Many trees, both dead and alive, along dead grass and a water bank

To determine if your trees need help, look for thinning canopies, dead branches, or early leaf drop, Holleran says. These are warning signs that a tree is struggling to absorb water and nutrients.

The good news is there are steps you can take now. Deep, infrequent watering encourages stronger roots, while mulching helps soil retain moisture. Avoiding unnecessary soil compaction and preserving mature trees in development projects also makes a difference, as well as working with a professional to apply deep root fertilization.

To continue reading Mike's advice, click here. 

For more information, contact the Wilmington office.

The Davey Tree Expert Company, headquartered in Kent, Ohio, provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental and utility infrastructure consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada. As one of the top ten largest employee-owned companies in the U.S., Davey's 12,000 employees have been dedicated to creating and delivering sustainable solutions since 1880. Apply today to join the Davey legacy, and learn about how we're growing with our new SEED Campus

Other News Posts

028A0850 5074X6342 05693E7 (1)
Davey In The News

Why Fall Colors in Ontario Might Be Duller and Earlier This Year

Ian Laidlaw from Davey's Ottawa office gives insight into why Ontario trees have started changing colors early this year.
Read More
028A0979 7026X5019 0D15e12
Davey In The News

Leaves on Trees Falling Early in Edmonton

Kevin Sproule from Davey's Edmonton office talks about the early-changing leaves in Edmonton this fall. 
Read More
Two Employees (1)
Two Employees (1)

Get In Touch With Us!

We pride ourselves at Davey Tree on providing prompt, professional and personalized service from certified arborists that live, work and engage in your community. Contact one of our Davey Tree specialists for your residential, commercial, utility, or environmental needs.

Let's Find What
You're Looking For!