Got Nature? Blog

With rainfall well below average, watering your trees is more important than ever. Indiana typically receives around 3.14 inches of rain in September, but as of 2025, only 1.31 inches have fallen—making this month even drier than last year. These conditions can lead to dry, wilted leaves and stress for trees across the state, especially during prolonged heat. To see how drought is affecting your area, visit the U.S. Drought Monitor for Indiana-specific maps.

In this video, Lindsey Purcell, Executive Director of the Indiana Arborist Association, explains why consistent watering is critical and shares practical tips to help your trees stay healthy through dry spells.

Extreme heat can have a major impact on tree health and survival. Water is the most limiting ecological resource for a tree, and without adequate moisture, decline and death are imminent. It reduces carbohydrate production, significantly lowering energy reserves and production of defense chemicals in the tree. Check out this publication titled Drought? Don’t Forget the Trees! to learn what to look for for any weakening issues including pests that like the dry conditions.

If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.

More Extreme Heat Resources:
Climate and Drought Maps, Purdue Indiana State Climate Office
Summer Tree Care, Purdue Landscape Report
Drought? Don’t Forget the Trees!, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Extreme Heat Including Fact Sheets, Purdue Extension – IN-PREPared
Extreme Heat – Resources, Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN)
Drought Information​, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Planting Your Tree Part 1: Choosing Your Tree, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Tree Selection for the “Un-natural” Environment, The Education Store
Tree Pruning Essentials Video, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Tree Defect Identification, The Education Store
Tree Wound and Healing, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Surface Root Syndrome, The Education Store
Submit Sample, Purdue Plant & Pest Diagnostic Lab
Find an Arborist, Indiana Arborist Association

Ben McCallister, Urban Forestry Specialist
Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources