The summer season brings hot temperatures which, at their worst, can be lethal to trees. If you’re a homeowner with a yard full of trees, you are aware of the vital role they play in keeping our environment healthy. Therefore, when temperatures soar, it’s essential to take proactive measures to keep your trees alive. In this article, we’ll share tips to help keep your trees healthy and strong throughout the summer season.
Proper Watering
Water is essential for all living things, and trees are no exception. Proper watering is crucial to keep your trees healthy and hydrated during the hot summer months. Water your trees regularly during the morning or evening when the temperatures are lower. This will help your trees absorb the water more efficiently without losing water to evaporation.
Mulching
Mulching is an excellent way to conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth. During the summer heat, trees can lose up to 50% of their water to evaporation. Therefore, applying a layer of mulch around your tree’s base can help reduce water loss and keep root temperatures down.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to keep your trees healthy and safe. During the summer, it’s essential to remove dead or diseased branches. Pruning allows your trees to focus their energy on growing healthier branches, supporting their growth, and improving their general health. It’s best to prune your trees during the late fall or early spring to prevent damage during the summer months.
Protect Your Trees From Sunburn
Like humans, tree bark can be susceptible to sunburn, especially for younger trees or those with thin bark. Sun damage can lead to long-lasting scarring and, in some cases, even tree death. To protect against sunburn, it’s best to wrap paper tree wrap on trunks to shade your trees. Ensure the wrap is placed at a comfortable, tight, and sturdy height that can’t be easily dislodged by wind or pests.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing is an excellent way to boost your tree’s resistance to disease, insect damage, and drought. However, be aware of the type of fertilizer you use and how much to apply. Over-fertilizing your trees can lead to runoff and pollute the environment. Before applying fertilizer, consult with a certified arborist or horticulturist to ensure your trees are receiving the proper nutrients.
The summer heat can be harmful to trees, but with the right care, you can keep yours strong and healthy. Proper watering, mulching, pruning, protecting from sunburn, and fertilizing are all essential for maintaining your tree’s good health. Follow these tips, and your trees will offer you years of shade, oxygen, beauty, and other benefits. And don’t hesitate to contract a certified arborist or tree expert for additional care and advice. Happy tree day!
Call Us
The trees on your property may not be in the Guinness World Records, but we know they’re famous to you. Regular tree pruning, soil testing and root fertilization are just part of our plan for keeping your trees healthy and we invite you to call us for a consultation.
Thanks for visiting!