Summer is a great season for trees to grow big, bloom, and flourish. During the hotter months, trees become fully grown with dense, green foliage. However, rising temperatures can lead to several problems. There will be summer storms, droughts, pests, and diseases to name a few. All of these have an impact on your younger trees.
With that being said, it’s important to provide tree care and take the right precautions as the temperature starts to rise. Read below to learn about what measures are necessary to take in order to protect your trees’ health and help them stay vigorous and pest-free.
Inspect Your Landscape
Never forget to check your trees for damage or signs of heat stress. This can cause irreversible damage to plant growth and development, wilting, drooping, sunburn, and yellowing of the leaves in some cases. Give your trees plenty of water to protect them from excess heat and help alleviate signs of heat stress. Consult a professional tree expert to determine the proper treatment regimens required.
Apply a Layer of Mulch
To retain moisture in the soil, you need to apply mulch around the root area. Mulching can keep your trees hydrated, preserve moisture, and protect the roots from too much heat. Proper application of mulch is key. Add one layer of 5-10 cm depth and arrange it into a donut shape. Do not apply too much and too near the base of the tree because this will breed pests, germs, and diseases.
Water Your Trees Properly
Plants and trees need water to make oxygen and absorb nutrients from the soil. Like humans and animals, they need water to grow and survive. During hot and dry summer months, your trees need water to ensure that the root ball doesn’t dry out.
Knowing how to water your trees properly is your responsibility as a homeowner. Thorough, deep watering is much better than light, frequent sprinkling. When your trees are watered correctly, it moistens the soil and allows the roots to become stronger.
Keep in mind to do it early in the morning to minimize evaporation and ensure it gets an adequate supply of water. For better results, the water must soak at least eight inches or more beneath the surface.
Do Not Apply Too Much Fertilizer
If you want your tree to stay strong and healthy, you need to feed them properly. Fertilizers add more nourishment to the soil and strengthen the tree against infection. However, there is a recommended season when applying fertilizers to your lawn.
Early spring is the best time to fertilize a tree. In general, fertilizing during the summer months is not recommended. A light fertilizer application can be made in early summer if you can ensure that the soil gets sufficient water. Seek help from a professional arborist for the best fertilization practices you should know about.
Refrain From Pruning
Proper pruning is important in improving your tree’s health and appearance. However, summer is not the best time for pruning because trees are active during this season. To avoid stress and strain on your trees, it’s better to wait until the fall or winter months when they are slowly becoming dormant. If you trim branches during their dormant period, they become healthier and more vigorous.
Check for Signs of Pest Infestations
Pests thrive during the summer months. Due to the warmer temperatures, they become more active to look for food. This is the time when you should keep a sharp eye on your trees and shrubs. You might not even notice it, but defoliating insects may start wreaking havoc on your landscape. Be proactive and always conduct inspections to save them from pest infestation.
If you need help in identifying warning signs of insect-related tree problems, count on us at Tree Removal Lancaster. We can help you stay one step ahead of any pest infestation.
Use Tree Cabling and Bracing
Intense summer storms can cause immense damage to your trees. Strong winds and heavy downpours can tear weak tree branches down. Installing cables can help protect your trees and minimize damage in the yard. Tree cables will hold branches in place and stabilize your tree’s physical structure, especially when summer storms occur.
Final Thoughts
When you need professional arborists to offer expertise during the summer months, contact Tree Removal Lancaster. We can keep your trees healthy and remove the unhealthy ones. Request a quote for our tree removal services!