Trees are beautiful and represent a great addition to your garden, especially if you are into gardening and want to freshen up your backyard with these beauties. Trees are a great source of shade, provide new elements to easily draw the eyes, provide wind protection, and are a more than convenient barrier to keep out the noise.
However, in order for your trees to grow in the right way, it is important to care for them properly. One of the main enemies of the growth of your trees is hot and dry summers, especially if they`re very young and growing, as this is the time when they`re most fragile. The only thing that can be done to protect trees during summer is human intervention being the key to growing and keeping your trees healthy.
So, if you want to learn how to protect trees during the summer, we got you covered. All you need to do is check out our following list below.
How to Protect Trees During Summer
- Apply a Layer of Mulch
- Watch Out
- Roots and Trunk
- Watering Deeply
- Fertilization
- Take Care of The Soil
- Inspection
- Pruning
Apply a Layer of Mulch
We recommend applying a fresh layer of mulch since it will provide some much-needed help for all your trees, especially when talking about the root area. Applying a layer of mulch is one of the best ways to protect the roots from unwanted heat while retaining moisture. Of course, in order to do so, you need to apply it properly. While applying mulch, you should know that less is more, meaning that you should apply just enough of it to avoid creating a good environment for pests and any possible germs. How thick should the layer be? One layer should be about 2-4 inches thick. Always remember to leave enough space between the base of the tree and the mulch. When talking about arranging the mulch, we recommend organizing it in a doughnut shape around the tree which will discourage disease and pests.
Watch Out
It is important to watch out for heat stress that might occur as proper shade and cooling are very important in order to properly care for the tree. We recommend giving your tree enough shade to protect it from heat while avoiding heat stress. Also, keep an eye out for heat stress, especially on very hot days. So, how to notice that the tree is exposed to too much stress? The most common signs of your trees being exposed to too much stress are wilting leaves, drooping, and even yellowing of all those leaves. In case of damage, make sure to give your trees a lot of water in order to help them recover. Don`t forget to keep those signs in mind on other hot days, which will help you detect them in the future.
Roots and Trunk
Pay very close attention to the tree`s roots and trunk. As roots are the most important part of a tree, looking after them is a key to preserving its health. With enough free time, the majority of people spend time walking thru the yard, which can result in a lot of foot traffic. Although most people aren`t aware, this can contribute to the damage to your trees, especially young ones. We recommend that you apply some mulch which can provide you a minor barrier against anyone coming near the tree. Also, you can invest in a substantial barrier if the tree lies near the path. For instance, if the tree is very young, you need to install a barrier that will keep animals away from hurting the tree in any way.
Fertilization
If you want to keep your trees strong and healthy, fertilization is one of the critical factors you should pay attention to. Fertilizers add all the nutrients to the soil, meaning that the tree will only be as healthy as the soil. Trees can only develop healthy leaf systems if they have enough nutrients. Also, fertilization is the key when it comes to fighting pests and insects. While choosing the right fertilizer, you`d want to pay attention to the most optimal one. You can also lookup for deep root fertilization near me and let the experts help you do what’s best for your trees.
Take Care of The Soil
Another way to look after the tree is by looking at the soil. For instance, if the soil is too compact, this means it will prevent the tree from getting the water and all the right nutrients. You can fix this problem by aerating the soil, which will increase the flow of water and air thru the soil.
Watering Deeply
Also, make sure to water your tree consistently. Watering the tree might some very simple, but there`s more to it because you need to know how to water the tree properly. Make sure to focus on the root zone, which will maximize the amount of water the tree will get. In most cases, trees respond better to less frequent, deeper watering than regular watering. Also, make sure to water most thoroughly every time. If the water is pushed deeper into the ground, the tree`s roots will continue to develop. For best results, make sure to water your trees early in the morning, which minimizes evaporation, therefore, helping the tree deal with all the heath.
Inspection
We all know that pests and insects can destroy trees, especially the young ones. The worst problem is that the tree might look healthy on the outside, but there is no way of telling the real situation until you take a look under the surface. So, proper inspection is crucial when it comes to the prevention of pests getting on your nerves and damaging the trees. Again, hiring local tree services may be the best solution to ensure the best care for your trees during hot summer days. It’ll also help you prevent insect & disease problems on trees.
Pruning
Although this might sound irrational, turn away from pruning too often. How? Although pruning is necessary for maintaining the tree`s appearance and health, in the summer generally, it`s best to avoid it unless you plan on removing the dead branches. Still, only perform pruning if you have to and are dealing with diseases and dead branches.
For the Absolute Best Tree Service in Northern Virginia, call Absolute Tree Today!
Author Profile: Ashley Davis
Over the last 19 years, Absolute Tree has grown a reputation as one of the premier tree service companies in the Northern Virginia areas. And there’s a good reason for this—we love trees and our passion for them shows. When you call on Absolute Tree for tree service, you aren’t just getting “some guys who cut down trees.” You’re hiring highly skilled arborists who understand the growth of trees and consider tree care an art form.
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