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

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