We all know that water is a precious natural resource and an essential component of our lives and landscapes. Without it, nothing on Earth would survive. Did you know that less than 1% of all the water in the world is available as fresh, clean water? With that in mind, it’s important to remember how valuable—and limited—this resource truly is, even when it seems like there’s more than enough falling from the sky.
When the Rain Just Keeps Coming
Some years bring far more rainfall than others, and those wet years can pose unique challenges for gardeners and landscapers. When rainfall totals are well above average, it leads to consistently saturated soil and excess moisture, which can spell trouble for many types of plants.
When Too Much Rain Becomes a Problem
With over four decades in the green industry, I’ve seen how nature keeps us on our toes. In especially rainy seasons, plant roots can suffer from prolonged exposure to wet conditions, often referred to as having “wet feet.” When roots begin to rot, the plant’s survival is usually at risk. These damp conditions also create the perfect environment for fungal problems like leaf spot and other diseases to flourish.
Rain vs. Drought: Which Is Worse?
The Big question is: Would we rather have a record rainfall or deal with drought like in past years? Personally, I would rather deal with too much rain than with drought. I find a drought to be rather scary at times especially when water restrictions are put into place.
Some Silver Linings
One positive spin with all this rainfall is that our rivers, streams, reservoirs, and underground aquifers are all full as we head into the last couple months of the year. Our plants are in the beginning stages of going dormant which means they require less water. So, all this water should remain with us for quite a few months.
Turn Off That Irrigation System
One of the perks of a rainy period? You can take a break from watering. With soil already saturated, there’s no need to add to it. Turning off your irrigation system can help prevent overwatering and also save you money on your water bill.
Ideal Conditions for Fall Planting
When heavy rainfall coincides with warm soil temperatures, it can make for an ideal fall planting season. Moist, warm soil encourages strong root development in new plants and is especially beneficial for seeding lawns or transplanting shrubs and perennials. If your soil thermometer reads in the low 50s or higher, you’re still in a good window for fall gardening tasks.
Not All Plants Like the Rain
Conversely, we have had so many plants suffer from all this rain. Some plants that come to mind are all our hardy succulents such as all the sedums. Different types of herbs have also suffered from being too wet for too long a period of time and not able to dry out a little.
Fungi and Mushrooms
Excess moisture can bring on an explosion of mushrooms in lawns and mulch beds, as well as increased fungal issues like leaf spot on beloved shrubs such as Hydrangea, Pieris, and Bayberry. Good air circulation and proper pruning can help reduce the risk, but a stretch of dry, sunny days is often the best cure.
Watch for Mosquito Breeding Grounds
In warmer, wetter seasons without a killing frost, mosquitoes can linger longer than usual. It only takes a few days for them to breed in standing water. Check your property for sources of stagnant water, especially in containers and saucers under pots, to help reduce their numbers.
Inspect Trees After Prolonged Rain
Extended periods of saturated soil can weaken tree roots, increasing the risk of leaning or falling trees, especially during high winds. Be sure to inspect trees and large shrubs for signs of instability and consider professional evaluation if anything seems off.
Rain is essential to life, but like anything in the garden, balance is key. While heavy rainfall presents its own set of challenges, it also comes with opportunities. Stay positive, adapt where needed, and remember that each season teaches us something new.
HAPPY GARDENING!!!!
Doug
Thank you for a very insightful article. The rains and warmer weather have been particularly harsh on cherry trees and Japanese maples. What is your recommendation for treating the fungus and when should it be done?
My arborvitae are looking a little brown here and there, still ok to feed?
Also the bottom of my leyland cypress has dead branches; if I cut them away will new branches grow?
With so much rain, some soil as been eroded around a large tree and roots are near the surface. Mulch to the drip line? Add ground cover within drip line area? Suggestions?
Elizabeth,
Thank you for reading our educational blogs and taking time to send us your gardening questions. As for your arborvitae, many of our evergreens are doing some shedding of needles. The plants are in the process of going dormant for the season. Because of this I do not recommend feeding at this time. I suggest holding off doing any feeding of any plants until late winter or around the first of March. This is when the plants are beginning to come out of dormancy. Yes, you can put down a thin layer of mulch around shrubs and trees this time of year. And, mulch to the drip line would be fine. Planting ground cover around tree roots can be a little tricky. Can you dig holes without getting into too many surface roots of the tree?
Hi Doug. Your columns are so informative! Thank you. Yes, good and bad news with rain. My big problem is the dying if br as McGee, then whole plant, of 2 bay laurels. They were about 12 years old and over 6 feet next to my deck that extends near my front door. This has occurred late summer to now. They were a big part of my landscape and gave privacy and green on the deck. Is this from water? They have been so hardy!
Thank you Doug for your great column. so informative. My azalea bushes have grown so large…is it safe to cut them back and if so when would be the best time to do it?