
Heather N. Kolich, Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, UGA Extension
Forsythia are blooming beautifully around Forsyth County, and some of our early blooming trees and shrubs are budding out. In my yard, crocus and azaleas are blooming together.
For many plants, however, the effects of last year’s record drought are becoming evident. Projections are that the drought will continue in March for the northern part of Georgia.
Drought stress causes a number of physiological and biochemical changes in plants. While some drought responses, like smaller than normal leaves on trees and shrubs and mid-summer dormancy in warm-season turfgrasses, are apparent immediately, other issues show up during the next few growing seasons.
Because roots don’t grow and proliferate as they should during drought conditions, the root system may be insufficient to support the entire plant. Smaller leaves and stalled growth limit photosynthesis, which in turn short-changes the root systems of energy stores necessary to get plants growing in the spring.
Drought-related problems we may see in the next few months include death of young plants and those that were planted last spring. Established trees and shrubs may experience dieback in twigs and branches, and fruit trees may not flower or fruit well. Warm-season grasses may be slow to green-up.
These issues create continued stress that make the plants more susceptible to pests and diseases, which further weaken the plants. For example, pine bark beetles are more prevalent in years following drought. In years to come, these secondary aggressors may get blamed for killing plants, but drought stress is still the primary factor. Read more.