Desiccation is a process in which something becomes extremely dry or dehydrated, often leading to deterioration.
In the context of plants, desiccation refers to the excessive loss of moisture from plant tissues, particularly leaves and stems.
This occurs due to factors like hot and dry weather, low humidity, strong winds, and/or inadequate water supply. When plants experience desiccation, they may exhibit symptoms such as wilting, browning of leaf edges, curling, dry brown needles, and eventual death of affected tissues.
Evergreens are very prone to winter desiccation (winter burn).
To prevent desiccation in plants, several strategies can be employed:
Provide Adequate Watering: Ensuring that plants receive sufficient water is essential for preventing desiccation. Water plants deeply and regularly, especially during hot and dry periods. Use mulch around the base of plants to help retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation.
Choose Drought-Tolerant Plants: Selecting plant species that are adapted to dry conditions can help reduce the risk of desiccation. Native plants and drought-tolerant varieties are better suited to withstand periods of water stress and require less frequent watering.
Provide Shade and Wind Protection: Erecting shade structures or planting windbreaks can help mitigate the effects of intense sunlight and strong winds, which can contribute to desiccation. Shade cloth, trellises, or strategically placed shrubs and trees can provide shelter for vulnerable plants.
Monitor Soil Moisture Levels: Regularly monitor soil moisture levels to ensure that plants are not experiencing water stress. Use a moisture meter or simply dig down a few inches into the soil to assess moisture levels. Adjust watering frequency and duration accordingly.
Avoid Overhead Irrigation: Overhead irrigation methods such as sprinklers can contribute to water loss through evaporation and may not effectively reach the roots of plants. Consider using drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the root zone, minimizing water loss and reducing the risk of desiccation.
Apply Mulch: Mulching not only helps retain soil moisture but also helps regulate soil temperature and suppresses weed growth. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, around the base of plants to conserve moisture and protect against desiccation.
Prune and Remove Damaged Tissue: Pruning dead or damaged foliage helps improve airflow and reduces the plant's water requirements. Remove any wilted or desiccated leaves or stems promptly to prevent further water loss and promote healthy growth.
By implementing these preventative measures, you can help safeguard your plants against desiccation and maintain healthy, vibrant landscapes even in challenging environmental conditions.
This occurs due to factors like hot and dry weather, low humidity, strong winds, and/or inadequate water supply. When plants experience desiccation, they may exhibit symptoms such as wilting, browning of leaf edges, curling, dry brown needles, and eventual death of affected tissues.
Evergreens are very prone to winter desiccation (winter burn).
To prevent desiccation in plants, several strategies can be employed:
Provide Adequate Watering: Ensuring that plants receive sufficient water is essential for preventing desiccation. Water plants deeply and regularly, especially during hot and dry periods. Use mulch around the base of plants to help retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation.
Choose Drought-Tolerant Plants: Selecting plant species that are adapted to dry conditions can help reduce the risk of desiccation. Native plants and drought-tolerant varieties are better suited to withstand periods of water stress and require less frequent watering.
Provide Shade and Wind Protection: Erecting shade structures or planting windbreaks can help mitigate the effects of intense sunlight and strong winds, which can contribute to desiccation. Shade cloth, trellises, or strategically placed shrubs and trees can provide shelter for vulnerable plants.
Monitor Soil Moisture Levels: Regularly monitor soil moisture levels to ensure that plants are not experiencing water stress. Use a moisture meter or simply dig down a few inches into the soil to assess moisture levels. Adjust watering frequency and duration accordingly.
Avoid Overhead Irrigation: Overhead irrigation methods such as sprinklers can contribute to water loss through evaporation and may not effectively reach the roots of plants. Consider using drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the root zone, minimizing water loss and reducing the risk of desiccation.
Apply Mulch: Mulching not only helps retain soil moisture but also helps regulate soil temperature and suppresses weed growth. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, around the base of plants to conserve moisture and protect against desiccation.
Prune and Remove Damaged Tissue: Pruning dead or damaged foliage helps improve airflow and reduces the plant's water requirements. Remove any wilted or desiccated leaves or stems promptly to prevent further water loss and promote healthy growth.
By implementing these preventative measures, you can help safeguard your plants against desiccation and maintain healthy, vibrant landscapes even in challenging environmental conditions.
Desiccation in woody plants is common in Colorado, because soils range from sandy to clay and plants rely almost totally on supplemental watering. In addition, nearly all woody plants found in Colorado are imported from different parts of the country and have varying moisture requirements.
Click here to see CSU Extension's PlantTalk article on desiccation of evergreens.