CYCLICAL DROUGHT AFFECTS THE MID-SOUTH
Every twenty-two years or so the Mid-South has a drought. The earliest one I remember was the Dust Bowl of the mid-30s. The next one was in the mid-50s when trees (particularly sweetgums) lost their upper crown. The next one was during the early 80s, which has been followed by the one we're currently experiencing.
This drought started in 2005 when we ended the year with a 15" deficit. In 2006 we had a 13" deficit. In 2007 we are currently about 14" below normal with six more months to go. These droughts are worse than they sound because most of our rainfall is coming in the winter when plants are dormant.
Remember this rule: 1, 2, 3, & 4. When annual rainfall is one foot (12") per year, you have a desert. If you have two feet of rainfall per year, you have a prairie. Three feet of rainfall indicates a short forest, and four feet of rainfall indicate a taller forest. Our normal rainfall is 52" per year, giving us a taller forest.
With the cumulative deficits we now have, our landscapes are particularly vulnerable. Even established trees are in danger of dying back, and newly planted trees are especially susceptible. To maintain existing and new landscapes, water them once or twice per week. Shoot for 1" of irrigation per week. Use an empty coffee can to check on your performance. For any questions call us at 901-346-8065.
The drought also significantly affects water gardens. Evaporation of the water due to the summer climate leads to a higher concentration of salt, which can be harmful to your plants. With this in mind, it is important to monitor fish salt levels regularly.