The beautiful warm-weather season is usually the time you can take a break and enjoy a nice vacation. However, before you relax under an umbrella, make sure your trees are also comfortable. Trees need extra care in the summer as the intense sunlight and feverish temperatures can stress and damage them.
Unlike in the spring or fall seasons, handling tree care in the summer is less involved. However, some tasks still need your attention so that you can enjoy a lovely landscape to relax in this summer. Here is a list of tree care dos and don’ts to keep in mind.
- Do Prune To Fix Structural Problems
Branches hitting your roof or hanging low, trees with excessive canopy growth, and trees that seem to be splitting all pose a risk during summer storms. They can easily fall and cause extensive property damage when the wind whips them around. Judicious pruning can address this problem.
Properly trimmed and shaped branches in the summer will encourage healthy growth during the autumn season. It is recommended to hire a professional tree care company to handle your pruning needs.
- Don’t Over-Prune
Pruning is necessary to remove damaged, dead, or diseased branches, but overdoing it can stress your trees. An over-pruned tree is more vulnerable during inclement weather, such as heavy rains, high winds, or summer thunderstorms. Before spring arrives, any rejuvenation pruning should be finished.
- Do Water Your Trees Regularly
It is generally advised to water trees frequently from May until October. A slow stream of water works best as it lets the tree roots soak in moisture and minimizes the water lost to runoff from the soil. For young trees, watering bags also work great. It is best to water in the early morning or towards the latter end of the day. This way, there will be fewer sun rays that can evaporate the water.
Newly planted trees are still growing their root system, so they need frequent watering during their first couple of years. Make sure to deep water them at least once or twice a week. For mature trees, direct the water to where their roots are, which are located towards the drip line (the area beneath the outermost tips of the branches).
- Don’t Over-Water
Even on the most humid and hottest days, it’s possible to over-water your trees. Always check the dampness of the soil first. If the ground is moist or it recently rained, there’s no need to water your trees that day. Consider planning a watering schedule to keep track of your tree’s needs.
- Do Mulch Your Trees
Mulch around a tree will help conserve the existing soil moisture and protect it during summer storms. It also saves tree roots from soil compaction and mower damage. Mulching around trees even adds an extra element of landscaping appeal. Make the layer between 3 to 4 inches thick and keep it away from the trunk to avoid causing it to rot.
- Don’t Plant New Trees
Fall or spring is the best time for planting trees. If you do it in the summer, your new tree will be at a disadvantage. They will have a higher risk of dying because of a lack of proper watering. However, you can still start planning for new trees in the summertime, so you’ll have a head start once fall arrives.
- Do Consider Shade Trees for Next Summer
If your outdoor space lacks trees that provide shade, identify areas that receive the most direct sunlight. For instance, your patio receives no shade in the afternoon. Because of this, you are not getting the most out of it on hot summer days.
You should also check if your air conditioner is in a covered area. Shading the unit from the sun can significantly improve its efficiency and lower energy costs.
- Do Have an Arborist Check the Health of Your Property
Summertime is the perfect season to call a skilled arborist for a property health assessment. They will inspect your trees for signs of fungus infection or storm damage. An arborist can also guide you in planning a new landscape design or adding a deck or patio to ensure your trees are unharmed during the project.
Get Professional Tree Care Services
Some of the mentioned tasks may necessitate the help of a certified arborist. It is always a good idea to seek their expertise, especially when the overall health of a tree is at stake. Reach out to your trusted tree care company today for a consultation to guarantee your plants remain in optimal condition for surviving and thriving this summer
