Falling trees are the latest result of Georgia's record drought. State officials say Georgia's rain deficit is 23 inches below normal this year. Now, even small storms can cause trees to fall. Trees with weak roots from a previous drought or freeze are especially vulnerable.
Floyd County Extension Agent Keith Mickler says trees do not show a sign of weakness until later.
"The only ramification is that this is going to show up years down the road. People are going to have forgotten about the drought and still not realize why their trees are dying," said Mickler.
Trees that drop large limbs are sick and should be checked. In order to save a tree, you need about half a gallon of water per square foot of area under the canopy, said Mickler.
With statewide watering restrictions in place, that may not be an option.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Drought and GA's Trees
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Columbus: storms zap residents' electricity
Heavy rain and lightning storms cut electricity to some 10,000 Georgia Power customers in Columbus and the vicinity Monday night.
Two storms swept through the area; one drenched the town after 9 pm, cutting power to 2,000 residents, and a second thundered through at 4 am Tuesday affecting another 8,000.
Columbus Police Cap. J.D. Hawk said there were no reported injuries from the harsh weather, but added that trees were downed in many parts of the city.
Repair crews worked through the night to fix the damage, after heavy winds knocked down power lines and lightning strikes killed power in several areas throughout what Georgia Power calls the west Georgia region.
The storms affected 20 counties, with the main damage noted in Taylor, Crawford and Macon counties according to Georgia Power Spokesperson Konswello Monroe.
Monroe said crews are working to restore full service later today.