How to Care for Trees in the Hot Summer Months

by | Aug 6, 2019 | Blog, Outdoor, Seasonal

During the warm summer months, it’s important to make sure your trees are receiving proper care. With higher temperatures and strong summer storms, tree care is especially necessary for younger trees. Hot weather and droughts stress trees that are establishing their root systems. This article will provide some helpful tips for caring for trees in the summer.

Inspect Your Trees

To get started with proper tree care, take a look at your trees for signs of pests, rot, or disease. Look for weak or broken branches and remove them, especially if a fallen branch would be a threat to your home.

Caring for Trees by Removing Weeds

Removing weeds is especially important for young trees.  Remove weeds around the trunk of the tree. Other plants use nutrients from the soil and absorb water that a young tree needs. The weeds may also grow into vines that can eventually kill a tree. Add mulch around the base of your trees to stop weed growth and help the soil retain moisture. Keep mulch away from the bark of the tree and make the layer several inches thick for best results.

Ways to Protect Trees in Warmer Months

  • Protect the bark of your trees by steering clear when mowing your lawn. Weed-eaters and lawnmower blades can damage trees. Torn or missing bark may lead to pest infestation or disease.
  • In the hot summer, chemicals can burn your trees. Don’t use fertilizers or pesticides when the weather is hot. If you choose to use lawn chemicals, shop for products that are safe to use in summer.
  • Summer is the season for storms. Caring for trees means consulting with a tree specialist to assess the health of your larger trees. Have weak branches removed.
  • Because of storms, younger trees may need to be braced before strong weather hits.
  • Apply mulch to protect your trees. Mulch helps the soil retain moisture, protects roots from heat, controls weeds, and can help prevent erosion.

Caring for Trees Means Watering Properly

Older trees are usually established and won’t need supplemental water in the summer. However, younger trees require heavy watering to encourage roots to grow deep. Proper watering means the soil should be moist at least 4 inches below the surface. When watering, focus on the tree’s roots. A lawn sprinkler system does not usually provide enough water for young trees.

Central Carolina Home Inspections, LLC  offers home inspection services to Central North Carolina. Contact us to request an appointment.