Rainfall in northeast North Carolina has not always been in our favor this growing season. Throughout the late spring and into summer, I received questions about many kinds of landscape and garden plants that had a myriad of issues. Many of these issues could, in some way, be traced back to stress on the plant caused by inconsistent moisture. We seem to be in that cycle once again as we make our way through the fall. According to the US Drought Monitor on November 6th, 2024, Chowan, Perquimans and parts of Gates counties are considered to be in a moderate drought. While many folks are wrapping up their garden activities for the year, it is important to consider the things in your landscape that could still be affected by this lack of moisture.

The top priority for watering right now in your home landscape should be any trees or shrubs you have planted this year or within the past two years. These types of plants may not be established yet and are the most vulnerable to major impacts from drought stress. If not irrigated, they will likely show their stress next spring. Other plants in your landscape to really consider irrigating are evergreens and valuable trees or shrubs (monetarily valuable or sentimentally valuable.) Evergreens lose water throughout the winter months so dry weather prior to the cold can contribute to additional needle loss. Hydrangeas and dogwoods are also not very tolerant of drought, so give them some additional care this fall.

While every growing season is different, it is important for you to consider how well your landscape can withstand less than ideal weather conditions. In eastern North Carolina, we are no stranger to drought and also no stranger to heavy rainfall and saturated soils. When choosing new plants for your landscape, consider species that are more resilient to these environmental stressors. Visit the NC State Gardener Plant Toolbox to check out plants that can hold their own during adverse weather conditions and other challenges.