Alabama is in the midst of a drought with unusually warm fall weather and trees are beginning to exhibit signs of stress. Droughts, especially prolonged droughts, affect trees and other woody plants in serious ways. The effects are not always…
Home & Family
Alabama Extension Offers Drought Resources
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala.—Conditions in Alabama are hot and dry. Strings of days with record-breaking heat have made September 2019 one of the hottest Septembers on record. The heat and drought are nothing new, though. While only .2 percent of the…
Calibrating Irrigation Systems
Follow these irrigation steps to estimate how much water your irrigation system is applying. With wind conditions calm (you cannot feel a perceptible breeze on your face) turn on sprinklers for 15 minutes, recording the time of this operational test. …
Watering Efficiency and Practices
Even though watering restrictions are not yet commonplace throughout Alabama, homeowners should still take measures not to overwater. Overwatering does more than deplete the water supply; it also makes plants prone to pests and adds to stormwater runoff, which pollutes…
Watering Tips
As with any system, it is important to avoid runoff when irrigating or watering. Proper irrigation installation and design will ensure that each plant receives sufficient water. Reduce the Need for Watering. Choose water-efficient and drought-tolerant plants, including those native to…
Rain Barrels and Cisterns
Rain barrels and cisterns are ancient technologies that are making a comeback as water shortages prompt homeowners to save and use rain that falls on their properties. Large, plastic rain barrels are now available at home and garden stores on…
Drought May Cause Leaf Drop on Trees and Shrubs
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – More than 80 percent of Alabama is suffering some level of drought. Homeowners are wondering how these conditions are affecting their trees and shrubs. Kerry Smith, with Alabama Extension’s Home Grounds team, said that although trees…
Landscapes During a Drought
It has been extremely dry for quite some time in many areas of Alabama. This leaves many wondering if plants in most landscapes can survive this extended dry spell without supplemental watering. Extension professionals offer the following tips and advice…
Financially Dealing with Drought: When Your Income Drops, Take Control
No amount of money or planning can guarantee that your family will not go through a disaster at some point. Disaster comes in many forms and can vary in the severity of its effect on your family. Disaster can strike…
Debt Management for Farmers In Times of Drought
Auburn, Alabama — As severe drought continues in Alabama, many farmers feel added stress and anxiety about their financial future. “Learning positive money management techniques can help farmers and their families adapt to tough economic times,” says Rick Zapata, a regional…
