What Heavy Spring Rain Really Means for Your Trees

We love a good spring rain. It brings out the green, gives your yard that fresh look, and makes everything feel alive again. But when May hits and those quick showers turn into the days-long-full-blown downpours—the kind we’ve all been getting a little too used to — your spring tree might be going through more than you realize. Let’s talk about what all that water is really doing to your trees, especially below the surface.

Too Much Water = Big Trouble for Tree Roots

Tree roots absolutely need water, but like anything in nature, too much of a good thing can be a problem. When the soil gets overly wet, all that water pushes the oxygen out of the ground, and suddenly your trees are gasping for air. This can lead to root rot — which is basically your tree slowly dying from the inside out — and roots that stay shallow because they can’t grow deeper where there’s no oxygen. The really bad news happens when a big storm hits and your tree just doesn’t have the grip it needs to stay upright.

Which Trees Are Most at Risk Right Now?

Now, some trees are more at risk than others this time of year. If you just planted something new this spring, it hasn’t had time to build a strong root system yet, which makes it especially vulnerable. Same goes for any trees that are leaning, heavier on top, or growing in those soggy, low spots in your yard where water tends to sit.

If you’re seeing mushrooms or weird fungus around the base, water that doesn’t drain after a day or two, or a tree that suddenly starts to lean or drop leaves out of nowhere — those are all signs that something’s not right.

Here’s What You and We Can Do

This is where we come in. The Bergholz’s Tree Experts team knows spring storms can be brutal, and we’re here to help your trees ride them out. We can come take a look, assess any risks, and figure out if a tree needs a little care.

And for those DIY moments, there are a few easy things you can do to help your trees out, too. Try not to plant trees in the soggiest part of your yard, skip the extra watering during rainy weeks, and keep mulch around the base. Small things make a big difference.

Bottom line: spring weather is unpredictable, but if you’re worried about a leaning trunk or soft, soaked ground, give us a call or book a free estimate. We’ll make sure your yard stays safe, your trees stay strong, and your spring stays blooming.