Question is… did the rain we received on October 7th change anything?
We’ve sent one or two updates each year since 2020 about drought conditions, and the cumulative effects of these dry years are putting increasing stress on trees and shrubs. This is something every property owner should be aware of. This photo was taken just this week, on October 6th.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that just because your lawn isn’t this brown, your trees and shrubs are unaffected. The image above shows that when grass is this dry, it’s a clear sign that all local properties are experiencing moisture stress.
Even with over 2 inches of rain on October 7th, six years of drought-weakened and damaged roots aren’t restored overnight. Tree roots take years to recover, regrowing into healthy, fibrous systems capable of absorbing water efficiently again.
The Long-Term Impact of Consecutive Droughts
Over the past six years in Northern Illinois, we’ve experienced different combinations of Spring/Summer or Summer/Fall drought. Concern grows each year as trees and shrubs face repeated stress—and it’s not just the growing seasons that matter. Winters also play a role.
Recent winters have delivered very low snow totals, meaning less natural moisture for tree roots. Snowmelt is crucial for hydration when the ground thaws during warmer days. After this past winter, April and May 2025 were extremely dry, with May ranking as the 10th driest in 158 years of records. Summer rainfall was inconsistent, leaving lawns brown and soil cracked. Brown grass in September and October is unusual for the Chicago area—and your trees aren’t used to it either.
How to Protect Your Trees and Shrubs This Fall
We highly recommend keeping hoses and sprinklers ready and continuing to water your property into late October and even November, before the ground freezes.
Pay special attention to:
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Large, mature, focal-point trees you’d be devastated to lose.
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Trees and shrubs planted in the past 2–3 years whose roots are still developing.
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Weaker trees currently under stress.
Other plants to water up until the ground freezes include evergreens and needle-retaining trees, as well as shrubs like Boxwoods, Euonymus, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, and Yews.
How long should you water? The short answer is: just water! Even short, frequent watering sessions make a difference. Run sprinklers for an hour here, an hour there—getting the soil moist keeps pores open so that future rains are absorbed more effectively rather than evaporating or running off hard soil.
Final Thoughts
Years of drought have lasting effects on trees and shrubs. Taking proactive steps now can help protect your landscape through winter and set the stage for healthier growth next year.
If you have questions or concerns, contact Tree Green MD. Thank you for trusting us with your valuable trees and shrubs!
