Water stress (lack of water)

Dry leaf edges, soft foliage in the heat and early leaf drop: the tree is short of water, often in sandy soil that holds little moisture.

How to recognise

• Push a finger or stick into the soil at the base: if it is dry for several centimetres, the tree is thirsty.
• See whether symptoms ease in the morning and return in the afternoon: typical of a lack of water.

What to do

• Water deeply and thoroughly, less often but well, ideally in the evening.
• Lay a thick mulch at the base to keep moisture in and limit evaporation.

Prevent

• In sandy soil, enrich it with organic matter (compost) to improve water retention.

Trees affected