Summer brings sunshine, growth, and unfortunately, stress for many trees. Heat, drought, pests, and storms can take a toll—so this season, it’s important to give your trees the extra care they need. As an expert arborist, here are the most recommended treatments to keep your trees healthy and thriving through the summer months:
1. Deep Watering
Summer heat can dry out soil quickly. Shallow watering isn’t enough—deep watering encourages strong root growth. Water slowly at the base of the tree, allowing moisture to soak 12–18 inches deep. Mature trees typically need a good soaking every 7–10 days during dry spells.
2. Mulching
Apply a 2–4 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree (but keep it a few inches away from the trunk). Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulates temperature, and reduces weed competition. It’s one of the simplest and most effective summer treatments.
3. Pest and Disease Monitoring
Warm weather fuels insect activity and fungal issues. Regularly inspect leaves, branches, and bark for signs of pests (like holes, sawdust, or webs) and diseases (like leaf spots, mildew, or cankers). If spotted early, many issues can be managed with targeted treatments or pruning.
4. Fertilization (If Needed)
If your tree is showing signs of nutrient deficiency—such as pale leaves or poor growth—a summer fertilization may be recommended. Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer tailored to your soil’s needs. Avoid over-fertilizing, especially during extreme heat.
5. Structural Pruning
While major pruning is best done in late winter or early spring, light summer pruning can help remove damaged or hazardous limbs—especially after storms. It also helps improve airflow and reduce disease risk.
6. Growth Regulators (Advanced Treatment)
For high-stress areas like urban yards or commercial landscapes, growth regulators like Cambistat can reduce shoot growth and help trees redirect energy to root development and stress resistance. These are typically applied by professionals.
Final Thoughts:
Summer is the season to be proactive. A little attention now can prevent serious issues later. When in doubt, schedule a tree health assessment with a certified arborist to determine the best treatments for your specific tree species and site conditions.
