French plants face water shortages

Trees, shrubs, and climbers in France are experiencing water shortages, with nursery expert Frédéric Fabre noting that the summer of 2026 was unusually hot and dry. This has caused some deciduous plants to lose a large part or all of their leaves, though this does not always mean they are dead—it may be an early form of dormancy similar to what happens at the end of autumn.

Identifying plant health

To determine if a woody plant is dead, one should scratch the bark with a fingernail or secateur. If a green core is visible, it indicates living tissues, while a brown and dry core suggests dead tissues. Checking lower on the branches until green tissue is found or not is also recommended.

After drought, recovery is needed

Even if a plant survives a summer of drought, it may be weakened and more prone to diseases and pests. Adding mature compost and generous watering in autumn and early spring can help it recover. This is especially important for plants that have been stressed by extreme conditions.

Saving a drying woody plant

To save a drying woody plant, it is advisable to water deeply if possible and use mulch to reduce soil evaporation. Materials such as lawn clippings, wood chips, or commercial mulch can be used. Planting shade trees this autumn is also recommended for their cooling effect.

Pruning after drought

Pruning should be avoided until autumn, when the return of abundant rains signals the end of the drought. At that time, dry and brittle parts can be cut back to living tissues, but not lower than necessary to avoid depleting the plant's reserves. If unsure, it is better to wait until the following spring to prune just above new growth.

Unseasonal flowering and pruning

After a summer of heatwaves and drought, plants may reflexively flower out of season or in abundance, which can exhaust them. In the following spring, it is recommended to prune to limit this "sacrificial" abundance, clearing the center of the branches to allow light to pass and removing misplaced or damaged branches.

Herbaceous plants and water stress

Herbaceous plants are particularly sensitive to water shortages, with ephemeral, annual, and biennial species, as well as perennials planted in spring, being the most affected. Their survival depends on factors such as direct exposure to the sun, watering possibilities, planting density, and soil richness in humus.

Potted plants and water management

Potted plants face additional challenges due to the small volume of soil, which dries out faster than in open ground. Strategies to reduce watering include submerging the pot in a basin of water until no more air bubbles rise to the surface. It is important to check if the plant is still alive using the green test and avoid drastic pruning or uprooting.

Lawns and future gardening

In the case of prolonged drought, lawns may resemble an old worn-out carpet, but they typically recover with the first rains. For future summers, it is suggested to limit the presence of lawns in gardens or find ecological and vegetal alternatives. This can help reduce water use and support more resilient landscapes.