Alder Trees Surviving Drought Shock: Rehydration and Recovery

10 twelve-year-old alders in high desert near Barstow, CA. Sprinkler failed 7 days during 100°F+ week. Lost 90% leaves. Lawn recovered; trees partially re-leafed then lost half again, produced seed buds. Half look like they may die.

Diagnosis: Drought-Induced Dormancy

Hardwoods shut down and drop leaves when water cut off in summer. When water returns, they often re-leaf. Seed buds = stress response.

Recovery Protocol

1. Deep water: 1 inch every 4 days for a month, then weekly (pan/sprinkler method).
2. No fertilizer until next spring.
3. Check viability: Scrape bark on upper outer branches — green = alive. If brown, move down until green found.
4. Continue watering if no rain; should re-leaf.

Trees likely alive — drought revealed no underlying disease, just severe stress.