SUMMER TREE CARE
Proper watering is, without a doubt, the most important aspect of tree care during our hot, dry summer months. Newly planted trees (even natives) should not be stressed for water – even once!
Newly planted trees should be watered to a depth of 2 feet each time they are watered. Established trees (those that have been in the ground 2 years or more) should be watered to a depth of 3 feet.
Intense watering of trees in summer can often lead to nutrient deficiencies in the soil. Nitrogen and iron are the 2 most common deficiencies; both are easy to correct with regular applications of complete fertilizer containing chelated iron.
We really don’t have many pest problems during our summer months (it’s too hot even for most pests!). The few pest problems we do have are easy to control once PROPERLY IDENTIFIED.
The best way to identify a troublesome pest is to take samples representing damaged and healthy foliage. Each sample can be placed in a Ziploc bag, sealed tight, and taken to your favorite local nursery.
The best way to pamper your trees through summer is with compost or mulch applied atop the root zone up to a depth of 3”. This simple, inexpensive act of kindness conserves moisture, reduces weed growth, buffers soil temperature extremes, and improves soil structure over time. Feeder-root density can be up to 40% greater beneath a deep layer of organic material. That means happy, healthy trees.
Following this advice will keep your trees thriving and provide valuable shade for many years to come!