Summer is a time when many people go outside to enjoy the warm weather. However, it is also a time when the trees are most vulnerable. The warm sun and dry air can cause trees to wither and produce less fruit. With care, many trees can survive the summer and produce fruit again.
1. Plant Trees in Shadier Areas of Your Property
Planting trees in shady areas will protect them from the hot sun. If a tree takes up all of its water in the morning and is dehydrated by noon, there will be no water left for photosynthesis. Planting trees in shady areas also protects them from extreme fluctuations in temperature. The stomata are pores that allow the exchange of water and carbon dioxide between the leaves and the atmosphere. Stomata open when the temperature rises and close when the temperature is cooler. During hot spells, the stomata open, and water can leave the plant.
Trees planted in shady areas have a lower risk of withering away during the summer heat. Pick a spot with at least four hours of sun daily but not direct sunlight. If your property is in a hot and sunny area, plant the tree near shade trees. The best spots are near buildings, fences, or other trees.
2. Add Mulch to the Ground Around Your Tree
Mulch is a layer of material that covers the soil, preventing weeds and reducing evaporation. It is usually spread out around the trunk of the tree. The best materials for mulch include bark chips, wood chips, and gravels that do not have chemicals added.
Add a 1- to 2-inch layer around your tree. It should be a couple of inches away from the trunk. Spread mulch out along side limbs if possible. Water your tree well afterward.
3. Prune and Trim the Branches
Pruning and trimming help to direct water and nutrients to growing branches and fruits. It also helps to remove any diseased branches, allows for growth in new branches, and maximizes the amount of sunlight that hits the tree. You can remove dead branches by cutting them off with a hand-held pruning saw, lopping shears, or pruning shears. Remove any branches that are strangling other branches or growing toward the tree’s center.
A tree service can do the job for a fee. Select a certified and insured company. Ask for at least three references, and speak with the person you intend to hire about how your tree will be trimmed. Ensure that the person knows how to handle the tree, has all the necessary tools, and will trim it as requested.
4. Water Your Tree in the Early Morning or Late Afternoon
Watering in the morning or late afternoon helps to prevent evaporation. Water can evaporate from the leaves, branches, and soil, especially during high temperatures with low humidity. Morning watering can also prevent dehydration while watering because the plant will take up water before the sun rises.
Water evenly around the tree using a can, hose, or irrigation system. Water should reach about 4 inches into the soil. Ensure that your tree does not get too much water in one sitting, as this can cause root rot.
Trees add shade, beauty, and comfort to our outdoor spaces. Keeping your trees healthy during the summer heat allows them to produce maximum amounts of fruit throughout the year as well as for many years to come. Contact The Tree Doctor in Springfield, MO for all of your tree trimming and pruning needs today. Our certified tree service team is fully insured and bonded.
