6 Helpful Summer Tree Care Tips

 
Summer is finally in full swing, which means it’s time for the festivities to begin! However, while you’re attending pool parties, going camping, and having backyard barbecues, don’t forget about your summer tree care.

Every season requires different tree treatments, and summer is no different. This is especially true if you live in a particularly dry area.

That’s why we’re here to help. Don’t let your summer tree care get away from you.

Keep reading for six helpful tree care tips to keep your trees thriving all summer long.

1. Look For Signs of Heat Stress

Even the healthiest trees can experience heat stress, so knowing the signs can help you catch it quickly and prevent it from causing any damage.

This should be your first priority, as any trees that are experiencing heat stress need care immediately.

Signs of heat stress include:

• Yellow, brown, dead, or wilting leaves
• Poor flower and fruit development
• Reduced leaves or branches

If you spot any of these signs, it’s time to conduct some of the care tips below or even call in some professionals for help.

Keeping your trees healthy and alive is a process, and it’s perfectly fine if you don’t know exactly what to do. Procrastinating care, on the other hand, can cause irreversible damage.

2. Conduct Deep Watering

If you have yard trees, you might think summertime rainstorms provide an adequate amount of water. Yet, this is not always true, especially in the hottest summer months.

Instead, your trees, especially newly planted trees, may require deep watering.

First, check the soil around your trees. Dig a small hole around the tree trunk, and test the soil with your fingers. If it’s dry, you’ll need to water your tree.

It’s important not to overwater your tree, but often, the tree’s roots are not receiving the right amount of water. Deep watering, by using a soaker hose for an hour three times a week, can help ensure the entire tree’s root system is receiving the water.

This will encourage the roots to dive deeper into the soil instead of expanding to the surface.

Deep watering for three hours a week is generally recommended for newly planted trees. For trees that have been planted for at least two years, you can use your discretion.

However, it is imperative not to overwater your trees.

3. Add Some Mulch

If your trees are having a difficult time retaining water, adding some mulch around the base of the tree can help solve this issue.

This reduces evaporation from occurring, which means the tree’s roots are getting as much water as possible.

When adding the mulch, make sure to leave a few inches between the mulch and the trunk. If the mulch is too close, it can contribute to rotting and provide a home for pests to hide. Make sure it is put down evenly, and you use enough mulch.

The benefits of mulch extend past the summer months, too. Mulch will help to keep your tree’s roots warm during the winter months, so you’ll know the preventive measures you’re taking today will extend through the future.

4. Trim and Prune

Tree trimming and pruning are probably the most obvious chores that come to mind when you consider tree maintenance.

While you might think of these as being more required in the fall or winter months, they can be just as important in summer.

Trimming dead branches off of your trees can prevent any property damage from occurring during severe summer thunderstorms. And, of course, trimming off dead or diseased branches can keep your trees healthy.

5. Prepare for Summer Storms

If you live in an area with a good amount of hurricanes or thunderstorms, you should consider preparing your trees beforehand.

Give them some extra support, such as tree bracing and cabling. This can help them stay secure during strong winds and rain.

Of course, this step is not something you should do yourself. Instead, consider hiring arborists to do it right.

They will use the cables to create a support system that limits the branches’ movement, preserving them even during the harshest wind storm.

6. Feed Those Trees

During the hot summer months, it’s more important than ever to make sure your trees are getting the nutrients they need. This is especially true if you live in an urban area, as trees experience more stressors that can contribute to nutrient deficiency.

Use a fertilizer that has the nutrients and minerals your trees need. The soil that your trees are grown in often doesn’t include these essential elements, which will be evident to you if you notice any of the signs of heat stress listed above.

If you aren’t sure whether or not your trees have their essential nutrients, you can send a sample of the soil into a lab to get tested. This will better help you get a complete picture of what your tree care requires.

Are You Looking For Help With Your Summer Tree Care?

Now that you know all about your summer tree care routine, you may be feeling overwhelmed.

Don’t worry. We are here for you! The professionals at AAA Tree Experts have been serving the Charlotte area for over 20 years, and we can’t wait to serve you too.

Leave your summer tree care up to us! Contact us today to get started.