While we often rely on weather reports to know how to care for our lawn and garden, they aren’t always accurate. Sometimes we wait all day for rain that never arrives, or we get unexpectedly drenched by a surprise storm nobody saw coming.
Another, albeit low-tech, weather prediction tool is believed to have been invented by the Abenaki Native Americans of the Northeast centuries ago. The weather stick, which has been especially popular in New England states, is now being used more widely throughout the country to gauge moisture and predict changes in humidity.
We spoke to gardeners and landscaping experts about their experience with using a weather stick for lawn and garden maintenance. Keep reading to learn more about how weather sticks work, how to use them in your yard, and some favorite brands.
What is a weather stick?
Weather sticks are typically made from dried twigs of balsam fir or birch trees because these types of wood are especially sensitive to moisture and barometric pressure, and they can absorb and release moisture easily. Most of the bark is removed from the stick, minus a small section, so gardeners can easily nail the stick to a wall or fencepost.
Jenny He, a licensed contractor, home improvement and landscaping expert, and co-founder and CEO of Ergeon, has used weather sticks herself and recommends them to clients who want a no-tech way to keep track of their outdoor conditions. “Weather sticks are an old-school but surprisingly effective tool for gauging moisture and predicting changes in humidity, which makes them useful for lawn maintenance,” she says.
“I’ve worked with homeowners who cut their water usage by 30 percent just by following the natural cues from their weather sticks instead of relying on preset sprinkler timers.”
Jenny He, co-founder and CEO of Ergeon
David Miller, arborist and gardening expert with Austin Tree Services Tx in Austin, Texas, says that one of his favorite age-old tricks for keeping tabs on the weather is the humble weather stick. “This little piece of nature’s wisdom has been around for centuries, and believe me, it’s like having a built-in meteorologist right in your backyard,” he says. “At the end of the day, a weather stick is like a trusted old friend—it won’t spell out every detail, but it gives you a nudge in the right direction.”
How Weather Sticks Work
The fascinating natural reaction of the wood provides a visual cue to help homeowners determine upcoming weather conditions such as precipitation and humidity levels. “A weather stick works by absorbing moisture from the air,” explains He. “When the air is dry, the stick bends up, and when it’s humid or rain is coming, it curves downward. This movement gives a simple but useful indication of when the ground is likely to stay moist or dry out quickly.”
Moreover, when the weather stick shows high humidity in the air, that is often a precursor for rainfall. By having this information, you can better plan your irrigation schedule and avoid overwatering your lawn before an expected storm.
Using a Weather Stick for Lawn and Garden Maintenance
For lawn and garden maintenance, the trick is not just watching the stick but understanding the pattern over time, says He. A consistently upward-curving stick usually means dry conditions, so watering is a good idea. If the stick is angled downward for extended periods, the soil is probably retaining enough moisture. “I’ve worked with homeowners who cut their water usage by 30 percent just by following the natural cues from their weather sticks instead of relying on preset sprinkler timers,” notes He.
However, it’s best to use a weather stick in conjunction with a soil moisture meter and rain gauge to create your own home weather station. It’s also a good idea to check the local weather forecast to see if the weather stick is on the same page.
Pros
There are several benefits of using a weather stick to monitor precipitation and other factors that can affect your lawn and garden, including when to water your plants.
- Adjusts to the specific environment: “Unlike generic weather apps, weather sticks respond directly to the humidity where they are placed,” says He.
- Eco-friendly and low-tech: They work year-round without batteries, electricity, Wi-Fi, screens, or apps.
- Low maintenance: Once mounted, weather sticks can last for years with minimal upkeep.
- Efficient and reliable: They provide a quick visual cue about upcoming weather trends.
- Constantly working: “Unlike modern gadgets that need batteries or Wi-Fi, a weather stick works continuously, responding to atmospheric shifts,” says Miller. “It’s the kind of low-tech, high-value tool that aligns with a gardener’s intuition.”
- Fun and interesting: They can be a unique decorative element to hang on a shed, porch, or outside wall that serves both as a practical tool and a conversation starter.
Cons
On the other hand, there are some drawbacks to relying on a twig to predict the weather.
- Slow to react: “It can take time for the wood to adjust, so they’re not great for sudden weather shifts,” notes He.
- Placement limitations: They need to be placed in an open area to work well, which isn’t always ideal for small yards with a lot of shade.
- Lacks specificity: “It won’t tell you the exact amount of rain expected or the precise humidity percentage, so I use it alongside other tools like a rain gauge and weather apps,” says Miller.
- Sensitive: “While it’s quite accurate in reflecting short-term changes in humidity and pressure, it’s not foolproof—extreme heat or wind can sometimes throw it off,” warns Miller.
Ready to Try it Out?
After weighing the pros and cons, if you are ready to try out a weather stick in your yard, consider ordering the Vermont Weather Stick. Several experts we spoke with said this is their favorite brand. Made from high-quality balsam fir, it is durable, has a long-standing reputation for reliability, and works well in various climates. Other weather sticks with top reviews on Amazon include the Maine Woodsman’s Weather Stick and the Balsam Barometer Weather Stick.
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