Effects of late-growing-season inundation on tree species in the Central Plains

ABSTRACT:

Recreational sites are associated with reservoirs developed for flood control and/or irrigation throughout the United States. Planners in charge of tree planting programs on floodplains should consider submersion tolerance of the trees. Sixteen species of trees that were completely or partially submerged following late-summer flooding in central Kansas were observed. Generally, the species performed as reported in the literature. There were, however, some exceptions. Cottonwood, hackberry, honeylocust, and mulberry, normally tolerant species, had high death and/or stress rates, while black walnut, normally an intolerant species, had only four percent of the observed trees die following inundation. Complete inundation increased the number of dead and/or stressed trees compared with partial inundation. Tree damage was affected not only by the degree of flooding but also by the dormancy state of the trees at the time of inundation.