Trees add a lot to your yard—shade, beauty, and even some extra value to your property. But once the heat of summer hits, trees need a little more attention to stay strong and healthy. Dry conditions, high temperatures, and storms can all take a toll. A few easy tree maintenance steps can make a big difference, whether you’re dealing with mature oaks or young ornamentals.
Watering Makes or Breaks Summer Tree Health
Once the summer heat settles in, watering becomes the most important part of tree care. A quick spray with the hose won’t cut it. Trees need deep, slow watering to encourage roots to grow downward where the soil holds moisture longer. Watering deeply once or twice a week is more effective than a daily surface soak.
Early morning is the best time to water. You lose less moisture to evaporation, and trees have all day to soak it in. If you’ve got younger trees, observe them closely. Their root systems aren’t as developed, so they dry out faster and show stress more quickly.
Don’t Skip the Mulch During Tree Maintenance
Mulch isn’t just for looks. It helps keep the soil around the tree’s base cool and moist and slows down weed growth. Spread mulch two to four inches deep, but keep it pulled back a few inches from the trunk. Too much mulch packed against the bark traps moisture and invites rot, disease, and pests.
If you already mulched in the spring, check on it. You might need to freshen it up or add a little more. Just avoid overdoing it—trees don’t need to be buried in too much mulch.
Pruning Should Be Minimal in Summer
It’s best to do major pruning in late winter or early spring, but a little cleanup during summer is okay. Cut away any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. You can also remove limbs that are hanging too low or posing a hazard. Just don’t go overboard. Heavy pruning in hot weather can stress the tree and leave it vulnerable to pests and sun damage.
If a tree took a hit during a summer storm, trim back broken limbs cleanly and monitor it for signs of further stress. A clean cut heals better than a jagged tear, which can attract insects or lead to decay.
Watch for Heat and Pest Stress
Wilting leaves, early leaf drop, and leaf scorch are all signs your tree is struggling in the heat. Keep an eye out for insect damage, especially from borers and aphids. Trees under stress are more likely to attract pests, and once they show up, they can spread fast.
If you spot problems early, you have a better shot at controlling them. Treating pests or disease quickly helps avoid long-term damage. When in doubt, a certified arborist can give you a professional opinion and help with treatment options.
A Little Summer Tree Maintenance Goes a Long Way
Trees don’t ask for much, but they give back a lot. A few basic summer maintenance steps can help them stay healthy, green, and strong throughout the season. When you take care of them, they’ll be assets to your property.
Outlook Home Inspections offers home inspections in Charlotte and upstate South Carolina. Contact us to request our services.