Can you ever have too much of a good thing?

Yes. You can.

Tree problems in Houston can be avoided with proper care. The foundation of proper care is making sure they get the right amount of water at the right time. Sounds easy. But it’s not.

The effects of improper watering can be fatal. Time and time again, we get called in to save dying trees that can’t be helped. Before your trees turn into stumps, let’s take a hard look at what’s working for our customers in Houston.

But first, some basics.

Problems start with bad information. It’s amazing how many homeowners in the Woodlands think they’re following a winning strategy when they’re really drowning their trees day after day.

A tree is like a lung that uses its roots to inhale nutrients and water, just like you and I inhale air. We don’t hang onto that air for more than a few seconds, but trees aren’t built like like that.

Trees have much longer-term thinking. Some trees can survive even when it only rains a few times a year. They are simply much better at storing energy and saving it for later.

OK, now we’re getting somewhere.


So, how much is enough and how much is too much?

Let’s start with timing. The best time to water is between 4am and 8am. This gives the water time to work its way deep into root systems without having to worry about evaporation caused by soaring afternoon temperatures.


Avoid watering in the evening at all costs. While it is cooler, nighttime watering promotes the growth of fungal diseases, which are costly to fix and often deadly.


Next comes sticking to a plan. With so many soil types and tree varieties in Houston, you’re better off with a watering strategy created by a professional instead of doing internet searches or asking neighbors.


The bottom line is that what works next door might spell disaster for your trees, and there’s no better way to say that. By the time the signs of overwatering or under watering become visible, the problem is already a problem.

Look for yellow leaves, moss, and mushrooms as possible indicators of overwatering. At the same time, watch out for drooping, crispy, and falling leaves along with compacted soil as they’re signs that you’re not watering enough.

Pay attention to what your trees are telling you. If they’re not happy, they might be trying to tell you something, but you’re just not listening.

There are many ways to save money in this world, but not having a watering strategy created by a real expert isn’t one of them. We’d be happy to get your trees pointed in the right direction and give you a real plan that’ll keep your trees smiling for years.

Come see why Houston loves us, and our customers tell their neighbors there’s only one Best Choice.