Summer is about to be here, and homeowners are also going to get busy in their home maintenance – both indoor and outdoor. The weather is getting warmer, which means there are more outdoor tasks to complete, such as planting flowers, tending to trees, and upgrading lawns.
However, the summer season can be particularly challenging for tree care. For this reason, we’ve compiled a list of seven summer tree care suggestions for homeowners, so continue to read on.
1. Water You Home Trees Regularly
Trees require enough water to grow and be fruitful. Watering is best done early in the morning before the scorching sunshine of the day sets in.
For your trees to stay healthy and hydrated during the warmest days of the summer, go for deep and complete irrigation. This is where water can penetrate the soil roots. But be cautious; overwatering a tree might cause more harm, leading to tree removal.
2. Prune Them Correctly
Summer pruning is a must to keep trees in good shape and also without getting sick. However, make sure not to over-prune, as too much tree trimming may make them prone to pests and diseases.
Tree pruning needs careful consideration. It is advisable to start by removing dead or diseased branches that have been a result of weather-related or disease-related issues rather than doing more cutting of the leaves unnecessarily.
3. Fertilize Them
In the summer season, fertilizing trees provides them with the necessary nutrients to ensure their well-being and let them thrive. So, be aware of tree-specific fertilizer which contains all the necessary nutrients that your tree necessitates to replenish its strength and exceptional growth.
You must read and follow instructions properly without over-fertilizing, as too much fertilizer could lead to the burning of roots and damage your tree.
4. Monitor & Control Pests
The summer season is a perfect time for bugs such as aphids, caterpillars, scales, borer, and beetles that can easily cause trouble to trees if they aren’t in control. Notice any symptoms like discolored leaves and drooping warped branches, and use pesticide sprays and traps to fight the insect pests.
You can also get assistance from pest infestation experts in order to get rid of all types of bugs and pests that can negatively affect your home trees.
5. Check for Tree-Related Diseases
Diseases such as powdery mildew, cankerworms, and anthracnose can easily take over trees and spread fast if not properly treated on time.
Check your trees on an ongoing basis for any disease symptoms and take necessary measures as soon as symptoms are visible on the affected part of the tree. What’s more, spray it with fungicide and consult a tree service professional in case you need help.
6. Mulch Them Appropriately
Mulching around the tree base will not only preserve moisture but also keep the roots cool on the summer’s hottest days.
On the other hand, however, they mustn’t forget to mulch properly – if you do it too much or too little, you might be compromising your tree’s health. Prefer to target 3-4 inches of mulch evenly distributed near the tree’s base, making sure it is thin enough not to pile up right close to the trunk.