Very hot and humid lately in the midwest (90s for several straight days). Been watering and misting frequently. Was wondering if this can lead to overwatering? The trees are getting pretty hot out in the sun, but not really drying out that fast. Is there a danger of overwatering in the effort to keep them cooled off?
I am no expert, but I’ll share what I have learned. I am in Houston, TX (High Heat and High Humidity). Our trees definitely go into a summer dormancy and move much less water in the peak summer months. I have overwatered trees in the summer. I find that the best thing to do is to utilize shade cloth and/or place trees in dappled shade under mature landscape trees. Particularly, I try to protect them from the west afternoon sun. Then use the same watering practice of watering when the soil dries out based on species watering needs.
Thanks much! I suppose in Houston you become pretty expert in dealing with trees in the heat! Will try to get them some shade. (Tho I can’t move the bonsai area, I can try to get a shade cloth structure going.)
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I think overwatering could still be a issue in the summer heat..
BALANCE OF WATER AND OXYGEN
is the goal.
Without oxygen you will drown them.
Water throughly until it runs out the bottom of the pot and then don’t water again until the top dressing dries out.
It is harder to gauge without the spag top dressing, or if you have a 2:1:1 or 3:1:1 mix etc etc
( akadama holds more moisture)
One a hot day in full sun I could see things needing multiple waterings. I know I have had to water twice in July in the NE. So depending on your location, pot size, soil mix, etc you may have to do some trees 1-3 times a day.
I don’t mist, I don’t believe in it except for tropical species like ficus etc, keeping any foliage wet could lead to fungus or other nasty things.. I don’t know your trees or your routine but if the pots are soaked and you are misting on top of that, that seems like it would eventually cause issues.
As mentioned shade cloth could help your situation.
But if you add shade and keep them over wet and misted you could actually make things even worse.
I think watering correctly is way more difficult than we tend to think. I haven’t figured it out yet.
I don’t believe in full sun all day for trees in small pots/boon mix except certain species like maple and other deciduous.
Morning sun YES
burning afternoon sun NO
Put a digital thermometer on the north side of the house or a shady spot and put another in full afternoon sun on the southwest side and see for yourself the real difference that solar radiation makes.
Sometimes you just need to shove your finger into the soil to see if there is moisture
Just my thoughts
Take it or leave it.