TOP 11 SUMMER TREE CARE TIPS
We know that you’re a tree lover, and when you’re a tree lover, you’ll do anything to make sure that your trees thrive. It can be disheartening if your trees appear unhealthy, and you have probably tried everything to make them healthy.
That’s why we’re going to outline our top 11 Summer Tree Care tips from an expert team of arborists so that you can have the healthiest trees possible. Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran tree-lover, these tips are sure to transform the health of your plants. You’re going to want to read this, so continue reading for some of the best tips of the season.
HERE ARE 11 TIPS TO CARE FOR YOUR TREES, THIS SUMMER:
1. Get Your Trees Inspected BEFORE It Gets Too Hot
With summertime comes hot weather, and although we might enjoy the sunny days, sometimes trees do not agree with extreme temperatures. It is important that you get your trees inspected before it gets too hot because your trees might be prone to contracting heat stress. Heat stress is something that can damage your trees, and the effects will last a while. So, you’ve got to make sure that you’re vigilant and getting your trees inspected before the damage is done. If you know how to keep your trees healthy, before heat stress or any other problem strikes, then you’re more likely to have trees that are healthy.
2. Prune for Growth
It is important that you keep your trees well-groomed if you want them to be as healthy as possible. Just like other plants, you’re going to need to regularly prune your trees. The needs of trees change as they get older, so depending on the type of tree that you have, you’re going to have to prune them a different amount. Take into consideration the age and type of trees that you have, and prune accordingly. Our arborists will guide you to what specific pruning your trees need. We make our recommendations based on the age, species, and condition of each tree.
3. Water Smart
With heat stress that comes in the summer, often comes water stress. Water is a tree’s greatest need. Everything trees do requires water. You’re going to want to make sure that you water your plants smart because if you don’t water your plants correctly, there might be health problems that arise. Water-stressed trees are going to need extra care, but even if your tree does not have water stress, you’re going to need to pay attention to your water habits. Start watering in the late spring before the dry days of the summer. Once the soil is dry it is very difficult to get the water to percolate 6-12 inches Be sure to regularly irrigate your trees. Trees require very long and slow watering processes. Don’t water your trees as frequently as you would water your shrubs and turf. Plus, be sure to check your irrigation systems very frequently, because you’ve got to make sure that your summer schedule is consistent and that there are no leaks in your irrigation system. In special cases or in drought conditions Mayer can deep water your trees.
4. Mulch Smart
Mulch is a wonderful thing in moderation and done properly. It helps to retain soil moisture, abate temperature fluctuations, and protect the trunks from damage by lawn mowers and string trimmers. However, mulch is often overused to the detriment of trees and shrubs.
In the winter months, it works like a blanket so that their roots will not freeze. Although it might seem a little counterintuitive, a layer of much on top of your tree’s roots in the summer helps keep them cool. Mulch acts as a temperature regulator, and if you have mulch over your tree’s roots, then the outside temperature is less likely to affect your tree’s growth. This means that in the summer, too, you’re going to want to have a layer of mulch cover your tree’s roots.
5. Fertilize Smart
You’re going to want to make sure that you know the specifics of what fertilizer you’re using on your trees, because fertilizer has the potential to affect your trees, negatively. For example, you’re not going to want to apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer to your trees in the summer. Fertilizing your trees is very important but is best in the Spring or Fall. If a tree is stressed in the summer and can be deep watered with low nitrogen fertilizer or bio-stimulant.
6. Look for Pests
Insects are attracted to stressed trees so if your trees are stressed they are more likely to have insect issues. Keep an eye out for insects that feed on leaves stems or the trunks of your trees. These insects can further weaken trees if not treated.
7. Look out for disease
The disease is a signal that your trees are unhealthy. If you notice spots on the leaves, early leaf drops, or staining on the trunk there may be disease present. Make sure that you’re looking out for the early signs of diseases. We go over the signs of heat stress, in this article, but there are other kinds of diseases that your tree can contract. Pests can make your trees contract diseases, too, so it’s a good idea to keep pests away from your trees, to avoid diseases. If you see anything on your trees that look suspicious, a good first step is to contact your arborist for specific help. Catching things early is always the best.
8. Check Your Soil
Soil moisture is the most important thing for the health of your trees. Check the moisture under your trees by using a trowel to dig a small diameter hole three inches wide and 3-6 inches deep. If the soil you dig cannot be clumped in your hands it is too dry. As we mentioned before start watering your trees in late spring before it’s too dry. Once the soil is dry its very difficult to get the water to percolate
9. Prepare for Summer Storms
During the summer, oftentimes there are storms that are stronger than in other months. To avoid any damage to your trees, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re prepared for the possible damage that comes during the summer months. if you think that your trees are at risk of falling down, it is best to contact a professional who can consult you as to what the best next steps are for your trees. The best way to abate the risk of storm damage is to have your trees inspected and maintained before the storms come.
11. Look out for signs of heat stress
Heat stress is a common thing that occurs during the summer months because the weather becomes particularly hot. Heat stress is a condition that will damage your trees. There are many signs that signal that your tree is affected by heat stress. Some of these signs are brown and dry leaf edges, wilting and yellow leaves, fruit or flowers dropping—watch out for immature fruit dropping, too, and leaf, twig, and branch droppage. If you catch these signs, then there’s a chance that something is wrong. You’re going to want to keep an eye on the signs of heat damage because the damage can be irreversible. Watering proactively is the best way to reduce the risk of heat stress. You cannot affect the temperature but you can affect the soil moisture
Are your plants ready for the summer?
Summer is a challenging time for your trees. Heat, drought, and other stresses combine to threaten the health of your plants, trees, and shrubs. Follow these tips from tree care experts and you’ll keep your trees strong and healthy throughout the hot and dry time of the year. If you have any questions about tree care and the challenges of the summer contact the expert team of arborists at Mayer Tree Service. If you’d like to learn more about keeping your plants and trees healthy and strong you can check out our last article on Earth Day 2022.
