NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Recent rain has been welcome, but foresters said trees are still drought-stressed across Tennessee and conditions will likely get worse.
Dr. David Mercker with the University of Tennessee Extension in Jackson said old, young and weak trees are most susceptible. Varieties with small leaves generally fare better in dry times.
But whether in the forest or on the front lawn, trees are showing the effects of a prolonged dry spell.
In Sevierville, the state Forestry Division's Tom Simpson said he's seen 20-inch diameter hardwoods dying on south-facing dry ridges. Simpson worries that the fall fire season could be a difficult one.
The National Weather Service expects drought conditions to intensity into autumn statewide.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
