Wet Feet

Written by: Jake Kubisiak, Board Certified Master Arborist, IL-1392B

Posted: 2024 | Disease Treatment | Spring | Tree and Shrub Care

Water from snow melt, excess seasonal rainfall, and overland drainage settling into the lowest area(s) of a property can cause a common spring experience—temporarily wet areas in the yard. They might cause actual wet feet for homeowners, but these wet spots also cause trees and shrubs to have “wet feet”—drowned roots, which are susceptible to fungal infection.

Many yards have disturbed or compacted soil that exacerbates this issue; however, this wetness also occurs in natural forest soils with different soil types. Even mild undulation can inhibit surface water drainage.

The spring flood of moisture, followed by extended summer drought, can further aggravate the issue for trees, as the initial wet weather allows for infections and the subsequent drought limits new root growth and recovery.

Root fungal infection symptoms can be subtle: wilted or weakened leaf growth, yellowing in leaves, and dieback are a few examples. These signs may be misattributed to other causes or missed altogether. Sometimes dark, discolored areas in the lower trunk present as weeping spots. Laboratory testing of root samples can confirm an infection where one is suspected.

Systemic Fungicide with Root Biostimulant is a treatment option increasingly recommended in the past few years. The mixture is designed to help control various root rotting pathogens while improving new root growth. Experiential results are so far quite positive for clients’ trees, especially unestablished young trees. The primary active ingredient in Systemic Fungicide is phosphite or phosphorous acid. The material works to inhibit fungal growth, and by activating a plant’s own immune defense response to keep these infections out of the roots.

Additionally, modifications of soil and site can sometimes reduce infections and root loss by:
• Physically loosening soil prior to new tree or shrub planting
• Applying organic composts and mulch to soil, and covering the root zone
• Providing supplemental watering throughout periods of extended heat and drought
• Having a Root Zone Enhancement treatment completed on an established tree
These treatments don’t alleviate the pathogen directly, but do help make infections less likely to occur and allow for tree roots to recover.

Contact your Wachtel Tree Science ISA Certified Arborist for a discussion and review if you suspect your trees or shrubs are affected by “wet feet.”

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