Official: Heat, drought straining Nebraska trees - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

A Nebraska Forest Service official says the drought has put extreme stress on trees and shrubs.
   Amy Seiler of the Nebraska Forest Service says residents should pay attention to the wooded plants and water them if they start to show signs of leaf wilt, discoloration or drying.
   Seiler says the heat, lack of rain and a relatively dry winter could make the trees more vulnerable to insects and disease. Signs of stress may be delayed for months or even years.
   Seiler says residents can check soil moisture near the roots by pushing a screwdriver into the soil, a foot or two out from the trunk. If the soil is too dry, it's typically difficult to push the screwdriver more than a few inches into the ground.