The summer heat can take a tole not just on us, but on our landscaping as well. If your trees are starting to look stressed as the end of summer approaches, there are a few things you can do to help.
1) Mulch
Mulching trees helps cut-down on weeds, stabilize the soil temperature, and keep moisture in the soil. This is usually done in the spring, but if you haven’t mulched your trees before then summer is a good time to start. If the tree was mulched already, add more if the mulch is now less than 2 inches deep.
Make a ring of shredded hardwood mulch around each tree that is 2 to 4 inches deep and 3 to 10 feet in diameter (depending on the side of your tree). Do not pile mulch directly against the tree trunk; leave a couple inches of open space.
2) Water
Some trees may need water during the hottest months of summer, especially if they were recently planted. Most trees need an average of 1 inch of water per week to stay healthy, though this can vary depending on the species. If you choose to water your trees it is better to irrigate deeply and infrequently. Giving trees smaller, more frequent water promotes shallow root systems.
3) Feed
As a general rule, late summer is not a good time to fertilize trees. Trees in high-stress areas like urban environments, however, might benefit from additional nutrients. You can also talk to an arborist about improving soil health around your trees. They can advise on how to best add nutrients and/or reduce soil compaction if that is an issue.
4) Inspect
Check trees for signs of insect pests or other types of damage. Most insects aren’t going to seriously damage your trees, but some like tent caterpillars can be unsightly. Other types of damage, such as a limb weakened by a storm, can be more dangerous. Because trees are fully leaved-out, summer is also a good time to see if there are any dead or diseased branches in your tree that should be removed.
5) Treat
If you suspect there’s a problem with your tree, it’s a good idea to have a professional arborist look at it. They’ll be able to decide if any diseased or damaged branches should be removed. They can also cable or brace trees that have weak limbs to keep them from breaking in a storm.
In conclusion, mulching around the roots and watering as-needed are great ways to keep your trees healthy during the summer. Depending on the tree, it might also be a good idea to fertilize it and/or take steps to improve the soil. Summer is also a good time to inspect trees for signs of damage, disease, or insect pests. You’ll be able to treat some problems yourself, such as trimming out tent caterpillars or removing dead limbs near the ground. For more challenging issues, such as bracing weak limbs, remember to call-in a professional arborist.
