Why Would a Tree Be Full of Water?
Have you ever wondered why trees contain so much water? It might seem surprising, but the water inside a tree is crucial for its survival and functionality. Sometimes, you might even see water coming out of a tree. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating reasons behind the water content in trees, tree physiology, environmental factors, and their role in the ecosystem.
Why Would a Tree Be Full of Water?
Water Dripping from Tree: How it Works
Using capillary action, water travels up the bark via the inner xylem and into the leaves. The tree is fed by the nutrients as they are photosynthesized by the leaves. Trees supply water to the leaves to offset a decrease in water pressure or hydrostatic pressure as the water is trying to reach the upper leaf-bearing canopies.
During photosynthesis, light energy from the sun is converted into chemical energy. The tree will store this energy to fuel growth and organism activity as the tree releases it. Approximately 90 percent of the water is released by the leaves during stomata. An opening or pore on a leaf, usually on the underside, is called a stoma. The stoma acts as a gas exchange for the tree. Therefore, the stoma allows for air, which contains carbon dioxide, to enter as well. The tree will then use the air in the photosynthesis process to produce oxygen. While part of the oxygen helps with tree respiration, the other part is released into the atmosphere through evaporation. This positive loss of water by trees is known as transpiration.
Causes of Excess Water in Trees
Reasons why a tree might appear full of water can range from natural environmental conditions to specific tree health issues. Understanding these causes can help in diagnosing potential problems and ensure proper tree care. Here are some of the most common reasons for excess water in trees:
Environmental Factors
Heavy rainfall or poor soil drainage can cause water to accumulate around a tree’s roots, leading to waterlogging. This is especially common in low-lying areas or places with compacted soil that doesn’t allow water to drain properly. Flooding can also saturate the soil, making it difficult for trees to absorb oxygen through their roots, which can cause excess water to be retained within the tree. Over time, prolonged water retention can weaken the tree, making it more susceptible to disease, pests, and structural instability.
Root Damage or Poor Drainage
Damaged roots or compacted soil can impede a tree’s ability to absorb water and nutrients properly, causing excess moisture to accumulate both around and inside the tree. Poor drainage might also result from improper planting techniques, such as planting a tree too deep, or from changes in the surrounding landscape that alter water flow and retention.
Disease and Infection
Certain tree diseases, such as bacterial wetwood (also known as slime flux), can cause trees to exude a watery, foul-smelling liquid. This condition occurs when bacteria infect the tree’s heartwood, causing internal pressure that forces water and other liquids out through cracks or wounds in the bark. The excess moisture can attract insects and fungi, further compromising the tree’s health. Similarly, root rot, a fungal infection, can cause water to accumulate in the tree’s tissues, making it appear waterlogged.
Sap Flow and Bleeding
Trees may “bleed” or exude sap in response to environmental stress, pruning, or damage from pests. In some cases, sap can appear clear and watery, which might be mistaken for water retention. Certain tree species, such as birches and maple trees, are particularly prone to this kind of sap flow, especially in early spring due to rising temperatures and increased sap pressure.
Frost Cracks and Freeze-Thaw Cycles
In colder climates, water inside a tree can freeze and expand, causing cracks in the bark. When the temperature rises and the ice thaws, water may seep out through these cracks, giving the appearance that the tree is full of water. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles can exacerbate this issue and potentially lead to more significant damage over time.
Tree Water Management
On a dry, hot day, several hundred gallons of water can be lost by a fully grown tree through its leaves. Conversely, a tree will lose hardly any water on a wet, cold day. Water loss is determined by temperature, humidity, and evaporation. While 90 percent of the water is released by the leaves, the remaining 10 percent is retained by the tree to keep it healthy and growing. A tree’s water management efficiency varies from species to species, as well as the environment where it is planted. Proper water regulation helps maintain healthy trees, ensuring they remain resilient against drought, temperature fluctuations, and environmental stress.
Tree Water Consumption
A mature tree can go through 10,000 gallons of water, which only 1,000 gallons are used to produce food and to add biomass. Therefore, a mature tree would have a transpiration ratio of 1:10. The ratio shows how much water transpired or was converted into dry matter. Depending on the species, it could take between 24 (200 pounds) to 120 gallons of water to produce a pound of dry matter. Trees with broader canopies and higher leaf density tend to have higher water demands.
Tree Leaking Water
Thick, sticky sap coming out of a tree is quite normal. A tree leaking water, however, isn’t normal. Water coming out of the tree trunk could mean wetwood. Wetwood is a bacterial disease and it seeps out prodigiously in what looks like water initially, before it turns yellow or brown, produces gas, and starts to smell. Wetwood gets into the tree through broken or missing bark or wounds. To compound the problem, fungi and insects will feed off the excrement, thereby making the odor stronger. Wetwood can’t be cured, however, it can be managed with proper tree care.
How to Address Excess Water in Trees
If a tree on your property appears to be retaining excess water, there are several steps you can take to address the issue:
- Improving Drainage: Start by assessing the soil drainage around the tree. If the soil is compacted or if the tree is located in a low-lying area, consider aerating the soil to improve water penetration and reduce surface water accumulation. Installing a drainage system or creating a swale to redirect excess water away from the tree can also be effective solutions.
- Pruning and Trimming: Regular pruning can help reduce a tree’s water needs and improve air circulation around the branches, which can help prevent fungal growth. Removing dead or diseased branches also minimizes the risk of infection and encourages healthier growth.
- Root Care: Protect the tree’s root system by avoiding excessive watering and ensuring proper soil conditions. Avoid damaging roots with lawn equipment or construction activities, as injuries can create entry points for pathogens and pests.
- Monitoring for Disease: Regularly inspect your trees for signs of disease, such as discoloration, wilting, or unusual sap flow. If you suspect a disease or pest infestation, consult with an arborist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can prevent the spread of disease and mitigate further damage.
Proper Tree Care
Healthy trees need plenty of water, but it’s essential that moisture reaches the roots rather than just the surface. Water needs to soak down to root level and that can take a while. Sprinklers will water the top of the ground causing run-offs. Avoid placing mulch right up against the trunk and don’t compact the soil around the base. Don’t peel off the bark or rip at bits of bark. Check periodically for water leaks and insect infestations. Saplings and newly planted trees should be wrapped at the start of winter. Avoid bumping the tree with mowers, tailgates, and any other equipment.
Omaha Tree Services
At Omaha Tree, our mission is to provide tree care services & mulch products that improve the HEALTH, BEAUTY, & SAFETY of our customers’ trees. We recycle all of our wood waste material from the trees we trim and remove in the greater Omaha metro area. The wood waste material is brought back to our 8-acre site at 3606 McKinley Street, where it is processed into a beautiful & consistent mulch product that is local, fresh, and clean. Contact a certified arborist today.
