Navigating the Heat: Essential Strategies for Caring for Trees During Extreme Temperatures

Extensive heat is in the forecast this week! While trees are resilient, they need extra attention during scorching days to stay healthy. Let's discover practical strategies designed to help your trees not only survive but thrive in extreme heat.

Understanding Heat Stress in Trees

Heat stress happens when trees can't absorb enough water to replace what they lose. This lack of water can cause wilting, leaf scorch, and even death if not addressed quickly. Signs of heat stress include:

• Yellowing leaves

• Brown leaf edges

• Premature leaf dropping

• Wilting leaves 

• Large cracks or voids in soil within tree root zone 

  

  Signs of heat stress

  Additionally, a tree under stress may show significantly slower growth and may shed leaves early to protect itself.

  Prevention is key. Once a tree shows symptoms it is already stressed. A week without rain when it’s above 85° is the start of a drought. 

Watering Wisely

Proper watering is one of the most vital parts of tree care during extreme heat. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Deep watering: Mature trees can need hundreds of gallons each week. During droughts water deeply every two weeks. But slowly for long periods. Clay soil takes a long time to accept water, but it also retains water for a long time. Leave the soaker hose on for 6 to 10 hours. Water within the drip zone, most of your roots are between the trunk and the drip line of the tree.

   
   

2. Timing Matters: Water your trees in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. This timing minimizes evaporation. Research shows that trees watered early retain 30% more of that water compared to those watered at midday.

   
   

3. Mulching: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of organic mulch to retain moisture in the soil. Keeping the mulch a few inches away from the tree trunk prevents rot while helping to keep the ground cool and moist.

   

   Proper watering guideline

By implementing these watering techniques, your trees can stay hydrated and lessen their risk of heat stress significantly.

Providing Shade

As heat rises, adding shade for your trees can lower their stress levels. Here are some methods to create cooler areas:

1. Utilize Existing Vegetation: If you have larger plants or trees nearby, plant your young trees in their shade. For example, a young oak tree placed 10 feet from a mature maple can benefit from the shade during the hottest parts of the day.

   
   

2. Temporary Shade Structures: For vulnerable trees, consider providing temporary shade with burlap or shade cloth. Ensure that these structures are secured to withstand strong winds, or they may cause further damage.

   
   

3. Plant Companion Plants: Ground cover plants can help protect the soil and reduce temperature extremes. Select drought-resistant varieties, such as clover or creeping thyme, which can thrive in heat while protecting tree roots.

   

   Add shade for your trees

Creating shade efficiently reduces heat stress on your trees and promotes their overall health.

Fertilization and Soil Health

Healthy trees are better prepared to handle stress situations. Taking care of the soil and ensuring proper nutrition can help your trees withstand extreme heat. Here are the effective practices we implement

Leaf armor treatment: 

This treatment applies a wax coating on the foliage to slow transpiration and prevent leaf scorch. It’s like an invisible shade blanket for a tree. It won’t fix leaf scorched trees, but it can prevent further damage. If your trees are prone to scorch or you just want them to thrive then consider doing this treatment in the spring before the summer heat and drought. 

Pruning and Maintenance

Proper pruning enhances a tree's ability to cope with heat:

1. Timing: Conduct major pruning during dormant periods. Early spring is best when trees are less vulnerable. Avoid heavy cuts during extreme heat, which can stress the tree further.

   
   

2. Removing Deadwood: Inspect your trees regularly and remove any dead or diseased branches. This practice improves air circulation in the canopy, reducing heat buildup that can harm tree health.

   
   

3. Selective Thinning: Thinning dense foliage allows for better airflow and light penetration. This action can reduce leaf temperatures, helping trees to improve their water usage and resilience.

   

   proper pruning

By carefully managing a tree's structure, you enhance its resilience against adverse conditions.

Monitor for Pests and Diseases

Heat stress can make trees more prone to pests and diseases. Being vigilant is critical:

Regular Inspections: Frequently check your trees for insect infestations or disease symptoms. Catching these issues early prevents more severe damage from occurring later.

Staying proactive can significantly enhance your trees' health during extreme heat.

Our certified arborists can provide you with a full inspection of your yard

Sustaining Tree Health in Severe Heat

Taking care of trees during extreme heat is crucial for their long-term viability. By gaining insights on heat stress and employing effective watering, shading, and maintenance strategies, you can ensure your trees flourish even under the harshest conditions.

Remember that the effort you put into nurturing your trees will lead to secure growth and beautiful canopies for years to come.