Summer brings sunshine, warmth, and a real challenge for homeowners trying to keep their trees healthy.
Whether you’re in California, Texas, or another drought-prone area, tree care in hot weather requires a bit of extra attention.
With rising temperatures and dry conditions, it’s easy for trees to suffer from heat stress, sunscald, or pest issues.
Here’s a summer tree care guide with five helpful tips to make sure your trees stay strong, hydrated, and thriving through the hottest months of the year. Also, you can call Tree Expert for your tree problems.
1. Water Trees Deeply and Wisely
One of the most important summer tree care tips is learning how to water trees properly. The goal is to encourage deep root growth and avoid shallow watering.
How often should I water trees in summer?
In most hot regions, trees need a deep soak once or twice a week rather than light daily watering.
Tree irrigation techniques like using a soaker hose or drip system are great ways to ensure water reaches deep into the root zone. This is especially crucial in dry climates or during heatwaves.
To save water while caring for trees, water early in the morning or in the evening when evaporation is low.
In drought-prone areas, using mulch and watering slowly at the base can make a big difference.
2. Use the Best Mulch for Trees in Summer
Mulching is a simple yet powerful way to protect trees from heat and lock in moisture. The best mulch for trees in summer is organic mulch like shredded bark, wood chips, or compost.
Spread a 2–4 inch layer around the base, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk to avoid rot.
This helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and prevent weed growth. For homeowners looking for eco-friendly tree care tips, mulching is a top solution.
3. Prune and Inspect Trees Selectively
Can you prune trees in the summer?
Yes—but with care. Pruning trees in summer is okay for removing dead or damaged limbs. Avoid heavy pruning during extreme heat, as it can cause stress and make trees more vulnerable.
Regular inspections are essential for spotting pests, disease, or structural issues. Use this time to look for signs of sunscald, especially on young or thin-barked trees like maples. Prevent tree sunscald by using trunk wraps or tree guards if needed.
For homeowners doing DIY tree care in summer, invest in the best tools for summer tree care like sharp pruners, gloves, and a tree saw. Always prioritize safety when using ladders or power tools.
4. Keep an Eye on Tree Health During Heatwaves
Caring for trees during hot weather requires attention to detail. In high temperatures, trees can show signs of heat stress like wilting leaves, leaf scorch, or premature leaf drop.
To keep trees healthy in a heatwave, make sure they’re well-watered, mulched, and not competing with grass.
If possible, avoid fertilizing trees during intense heat unless there’s a clear nutrient deficiency. In most cases, tree fertilization in summer should be done sparingly or postponed until fall.
Tree pest control for summer is also crucial—monitor for insects like aphids or mites, which thrive in dry, hot weather. Applying natural insecticidal soap or consulting a local arborist can help.
5. Give Special Attention to Young, Fruit, and Evergreen Trees
Tree care for young trees requires extra love in the summer. Their root systems are still developing, so they need consistent water and mulch. Young trees are also more prone to sunscald and heat stress.
Caring for fruit trees in summer means watering regularly during fruit development and checking for pests like codling moths or spider mites.
If you’re growing oak trees in hot weather or tending to maple trees in summer, be cautious with pruning and water deeply.
Evergreens, too, can suffer in extreme heat. Summer care for evergreen trees includes checking for browning needles, which may signal drought stress or pests.
6. Schedule Seasonal Tree Inspections
Regular checkups are essential for long-term tree health, especially during summer. Tree inspection tips for summer include looking for signs of disease, pests, or structural weaknesses like cracked limbs or leaning trunks.
If you’re not sure what to look for, consider hiring a certified arborist for an expert evaluation. This is especially important in regions prone to drought or strong summer storms.
Routine inspections help prevent problems before they worsen and are a key part of tree maintenance in summer.
For homeowners, this means walking your property once a month to check your trees. Early detection of issues is one of the easiest ways to care for trees and ensure healthy roots in summer.
Final Thoughts: A Simple Summer Tree Care Checklist
Here’s a quick summer tree care checklist to wrap it all up:
- Water deeply 1–2 times a week
- Apply 2–4 inches of organic mulch
- Prune only dead or damaged limbs
- Inspect regularly for pests and disease
- Protect young trees from sunscald
- Avoid over-fertilizing in the heat