What are common visual signs of drought stress in landscape plants, and what immediate action should be taken?

• A. Wilting, leaf curling, browning; water deeply and check irrigation coverage.
• B. Leaves turning blue; prune heavily.
• C. Rapid growth; fertilize immediately.
• D. Wet soil; increase watering.

Answer: (A)

Drought stress shows up in plants when they no longer have enough water to keep cells turgid. Wilting is the most obvious sign—leaves and stems droop as cell pressure drops. Leaf curling is another response, helping to reduce surface area and water loss. Browning, especially at the leaf tips and margins, reflects dehydration and tissue damage from lack of water. The immediate action is to water deeply enough to moisten the root zone and then verify that the irrigation system is delivering water where the roots are active. Check soil moisture at depth and inspect for dry spots, leaks, or clogged emitters, and adjust coverage so the entire root zone can recover. Mulching can help reduce evaporation and support longer-term moisture retention.

Other options don’t fit drought needs: turning leaves blue isn’t a typical drought sign; pruning heavily doesn’t address water deficit and can stress the plant; rapid growth with fertilizing ignores the water shortage; and wet soil means there’s already excess moisture, not drought.