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The complete guide to summer tree care -Ensure healthy trees all season long
Hot and dry conditions can be particularly challenging for young and growing trees. Just like humans need extra care during the summer, trees also require regular maintenance to stay healthy. This checklist highlights everything you need to know to protect your trees during the hot summer months.
Inspecting Your Trees and Shrubs
- As summer approaches, it’s essential to examine your trees and shrubs for potential issues. This involves assessing tree leaves and stems for signs of damage that may indicate an insect infestation. Look out for indicators such as bleeding sap, borer holes, sawdust, abnormal chewed leaves, or leaf dieback. Consulting with a certified arborist can help identify and address insect problems early, preventing extensive damage.
Additionally, branch dieback and leaf spots could signify stress or disease, necessitating professional evaluation. Yellowing leaves during summer suggest heat stress. However, it’s essential to assess soil moisture levels thoroughly before concluding. Overwatering can also manifest as leaf yellowing, emphasizing the importance of checking soil moisture deep within the soil. If soil saturation occurs frequently without adequate drainage time, adjusting irrigation frequency may be necessary.
Apply Proper Mulch
- One of the best things to preserve your trees from the effects of hot weather is mulching. Applying mulch around the root area helps safeguard the roots from extreme heat and allows moisture retention. This is crucial for supporting the growth of a strong root system. In addition, proper mulching aids water absorption for young trees.
However, the key to effective mulching is using an appropriate amount of mulch. Typically, one layer of 5 to 10-cm thick mulch is sufficient. Furthermore, leaving some space between the tree’s base and the mulch is essential. Finally, add mulch around the tree in a circular shape to discourage pests and diseases.
Watch Out For The Signs Of Heat Stress
- Proper temperature and shade maintenance is critical for optimal tree care in summer. This is particularly important for young trees as plenty of shade protects them from excessive heat and prevents heat stress. During extremely hot days, watch for the signs of heat stress.
Dropping, wilting, and yellowing leaves are surefire signs of heat stress. If you spot these signs, watering sufficiently will help your trees recover from heat stress. Stay mindful of the signs of heat stress to monitor and care for your trees during extreme weather proactively.
Maintaining Healthy Soil
If you notice your soil consistently drying out during the summer months, consider implementing a slow, deep watering technique using a drip or soaker hose for your larger trees requiring hydration. Different trees have varying water needs, so it’s essential to avoid guesswork. A general guideline is to apply 5 gallons of water for every 1 inch of trunk diameter, repeating this process weekly in the absence of significant rainfall.
Consulting with a certified arborist can provide valuable insight and ensure your tree roots receive adequate hydration. Refrain from using overhead irrigation methods, as they can contribute to the spread of diseases. Continue fertilizing your trees while addressing any nutritional deficiencies that may arise in shrub and lawn areas. Additionally, maintaining control over weeds in your landscape beds is crucial to prevent them from competing with your plants for essential nutrients and water.
To correct any nutrient deficiencies or other tree issues, contact American Tree Experts Inc. We are a professional tree pruning and nutrient management company. Our experts will develop a customized plant healthcare program and look after your trees in the best way possible. Call us at 973-774-6091 today and get a free quote for all your tree-related needs.