Less than seasonal conditions affecting greenery

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JACKSON, Tenn. — A drought has plagued most of West Tennessee for several weeks causing hot and dry conditions.

Most of Tennessee is in what the U.S. Drought Monitor calls a moderate drought.

The state had more 90-degree days this year than any other temperature category.

Adam Stewart, an employee at Carter’s Nursery Pond & Patio in north Jackson says temperature plays a role in a plant’s lifespan.

“Fall plants this time of the year are not looking the best in the world because of the warmer temperatures,” he said. “They like cooler temperatures.”

Nursery owner Jo Carter suggests homeowners mulch around their plants to protect them.

Mulching will help with any new growth and hold in moisture.

“You could trim some now, just lightly trimming, but I wouldn’t do any excessive trimming, and mulching around your plants is a big plus,” she said.

Carter warns homeowners that even though there is a drought, over watering plants could cause even more damage.

“You don’t want to get a lot of water runoff when you water,” she said. “Just slow down, take your time, plan on watering a little bit longer than normal, but you shouldn’t have to water several times a day.

Carter’s nursery employees also suggest removing fallen leaves off of plants to preserve landscaping.