This year, many parts of Pennsylvania have experienced lower-than-average rainfall and extended dry periods. When moisture levels in the air and soil drop, trees begin to show signs of stress, becomeing dry and brittle, their defenses weakened, and their overall health declines. According to the Penn State Extension on abiotic stressors, drought is a significant contributor to tree decline because “drought decreases a tree’s ability to isolate infections and avoid their spread through the tree.” In such conditions, trees become more susceptible to pest infestations, disease, and ultimately, mortality.
When trees are deprived of adequate moisture, their root systems have difficulty absorbing enough water to support photosynthesis and normal growth. The article “Trees and Drought: What You Need to Know” points out that when water availability is too low, stomates close and the tree must respire sugars rather than build new growth—leading to weakened trees that cannot bounce back.
In some regions of the Commonwealth, this pattern has led to canopy die-back, branch loss, and increased insect or disease activity. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources lists drought as one of the external stressors that predispose trees to infestation and mortality.
The Impact on Ponds, Streams and Small Waterways
Waterways such as ponds, small streams, and lakes rely on regular precipitation and runoff to maintain healthy water levels, appropriate water movement, and ecological balance. When rainfall is scarce, these bodies of water shrink, circulation slows, and the habitat becomes less hospitable for aquatic life. Fish, aquatic insects, amphibians, and other wildlife depend on sufficient water volume and flow for spawning, feeding, and life-cycle processes. Reduced water movement can lead to lower oxygen levels, higher water temperatures, and increased algae growth, all of which hamper biodiversity.
In healthy conditions, rainfall replenishes groundwater and surface water, ensures erosion control, and delivers nutrients to aquatic systems. But when nature doesn’t provide the necessary refill, these ponds and waterways begin to deteriorate, affecting everything from insect larvae that need moving water to fish that require cooler, oxygen-rich conditions.
Intervening When Nature Falls Short
Since we’re experiencing prolonged dry spells, it’s important for homeowners and facility managers to step in with proactive measures. For aging trees that have become dry and brittle, professional care can make a difference. Scheduling a tree removal service in Lehigh County for dead or dying trees can prevent hazards. But for living trees that are stressed, hiring the best tree care services in Central Bucks County you can find or a reputable tree trimming service in Upper Bucks can help restore vigor. Trimming dead or dying branches, fertilizing the root zone, and ensuring proper mulch and watering can support a tree’s recovery and resilience.
For ponds and smaller waterways, professional pond maintenance in Upper Bucks may include aeration systems, water level management, and habitat restoration to compensate for less rainfall. These services help maintain fish populations, support insects and aquatic plants, and stabilize the ecosystem until natural rainfall returns.
Why Maintenance Matters
When trees become brittle and stressed, they no longer produce energy efficiently, making them more vulnerable to pests like the emerald ash borer or hemlock woolly adelgid, especially in drought conditions. The DCNR notes that drought is a contributing factor to tree mortality because stressed trees “have less ability to fight off non-native invaders and they can succumb even when young and healthy.”
For small bodies of water, low levels and stagnation can produce harmful conditions such as excessive algae bloom or fish die-offs. Regular monitoring, supplemental aeration, or water exchanges can maintain the necessary environment for biodiversity to thrive.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
If your landscape, trees or water features are showing signs of stress and dehydration, don’t wait until the problems become unmanageable. Engaging qualified professionals who specialize in tree care, pond management and ecosystem support can help prevent irreversible damage and restore resilience to your property. The time to act is now, before the next dry spell, before pests move in, and before your pond’s ecosystem suffers further disruption.
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