Ask an Expert

Question from Elizabeth, USU Extension Assistant Professor (received 5/7/20) -

Is there a time of day that trees take up more water or is it continuous?

Answer from Dr. Mike Kuhns, USU Extension Forester and Professor (sent 5/8/20) -

Elizabeth,

Water uptake and loss from plants is highest with high air and leaf temperature, low humidity, high light, and high water availability in the soil. Water uptake on a normal day is therefore highest, all things being equal, in mid to late afternoon. How well the plant deals with each of these factors determines how drought tolerant it is, or how much food (sugar) it makes per amount of water used.

Good luck!