Summer can be a challenging time for your landscape, including your trees. The hotter days coupled with the decreased rainfall can start to take a toll. That’s why it’s important that summer tree care in New England includes proper watering as well as the recognition of the signs of heat stress in trees.
Understanding what to look for as well as how to best care for your trees in the summer will help set you up for success.
In this article we will cover:
What Happens to Trees in the Summer?
How Often to Water Trees in Summer?
Can You Trim Trees in Summer?
What are the Signs of Heat Stress in Trees?
Can Trees Recover From Heat Stress?
Finding Tree Care in Southern NH, Northeastern Massachusetts, and Southern Maine
We know that your trees are valuable assets on your New England property and we want to help you care for them no matter what the season.
What Happens to Trees in the Summer?
Trees continue to grow during the summer months. Trees in summer can grow in height and also add foliage (though not as much as they’ll add in the spring). Trees are often very valued by homeowners in the summer for their ability to provide shade.
Of course, trees also face more challenges in the summer. In addition to more intense heat, trees might also experience drought conditions as rainfall decreases. Trees are also subject to more threats from pests and diseases in the summer.
How Often to Water Trees in Summer?
A general rule of thumb is that trees need around 15 gallons of water per week to perform optimally in the summer. It’s quite possible that Mother Nature is not supplying this during the dry summer months. You might want to consider supplemental watering during this time.
The best way to water a tree is to use a soaker hose or a gator bag for trees. These types of products help deliver water the way it should be delivered: slowly and steadily over time. You want to make sure that the water percolates deep down into the soil so that it reaches the root zone.
Can You Trim Trees in Summer?
While you can trim trees in the summer, this is also a riskier time as it can potentially expose trees to harsh conditions.
For example - if you remove some of the tree’s crown, leaves that aren’t used to being exposed to the sun are now in full sunlight and can experience some leaf burn.
As we mentioned, summer can also be a time when disease and pest activity ramps up, so you don’t want to make your tree more vulnerable. Heat stressed trees and shrubs can also have a harder time recovering from pruning so you want to make sure your trees are in good shape.
The best time of the year to prune a tree in New England is actually the winter.
Trees enter a dormant stage during the winter, where their growth halts. This lack of activity, coupled with the fact that trees aren’t dealing with heat and drought, create ideal pruning conditions.
What are the Signs of Heat Stress in Trees?
Heat stress and drought stress are two distinctly common problems in trees…and they go hand in hand.
Heat stress is caused by intense temperatures and can cause trees to lose water faster than they can take it in.
Drought stress is caused by lack of water (decreased rainfall) and can also cause major problems for a tree (particularly when it’s exacerbated by heat stress).
Signs of heat stress in trees include:
- Leaf discoloration and wilting
- Drooping branches
- Possible dieback
Heat-stressed trees are going to be more vulnerable to external problems (like diseases and pests).
Signs of drought stressed trees can be similar and include:
- Leaf burn
- Stunted growth
- Wilting and discoloration
Heat stress and drought stress can affect both evergreen and deciduous trees when the conditions are right.
Can Trees Recover From Heat Stress?
Yes, trees can recover from heat stress but like other potential tree problems, it typically depends on the severity of the situation.
While you cannot control the temperature, there are steps you can take to mitigate both heat and drought stress on your tree.
For one, you can create healthy mulch rings around your trees. This will help to insulate and protect roots from intense heat. It will also help to retain water.
But proper mulching is key. Unfortunately, quite frequently, people over-mulch their trees or they pile it up against the trunk. This can lead to problems that would require root collar excavation.
You can also make sure that your tree is receiving ample water with supplemental watering during the summer months. Additional nutrients can also be introduced through tree and shrub fertilization for a real health boost. As we mentioned earlier, about 15 gallons per week is the recommendation for mature trees - that’s about a half gallon per day - but keep in mind that younger trees may require more as they try to get established.
Finding Tree Care in the Seacoast Region
Tree care can be complicated no matter the season! That’s why it makes sense to partner with a tree care professional.
A tree care professional will be able to diagnose issues early in the process and guide you toward everything that your trees need to perform their best. Every situation is different and an expert can help make helpful recommendations for your specific property.
Ultimately, you want to find a company that has your best interest at heart and that you can build a long-term relationship with. Your property requires ongoing care and it’d be great to partner with a company that you truly trust.
At Seacoast Tree Care, we take the work that we do quite seriously. We started our business with the belief that we are here to care for and protect trees whenever we can. However, when they do have to be removed, it’s absolutely critical that it’s done right. We also offer tree removal services when trees are sick or problematic.
Whatever your trees need, we’re here to help.
We are committed to preserving trees in the New England area by keeping a watchful eye and performing the services they need.
Ready for safer and healthier trees at your Southern NH, Maine, or Northeastern Massachusetts home? Request your consultation and get a free quote for tree pruning services. We service properties in and around Stratham, NH, Kittery, ME, and Haverhill, MA. By making a wise choice, you’ll know your trees are in good hands.
Image Sources: gator bags