Trees are valuable to us in many ways, increasing not only curb appeal but property values. But the greatest gift of trees is experienced in the heat of summer when their shady canopy prevents your home and garden from turning into a heat island. Trees reduce surrounding temperatures from 10 to 25 degrees!
Stress from weather extremes, however, is cumulative for trees. Signs of stress seen this year may reflect several hot summers and winter cold snaps. To protect your trees, your most valuable garden investment, what steps can you take now?
Here are 5 hot weather survival tips:
1 Focus on new plantings and trees in obvious stress
Well established and mature trees may well have adapted to the weather extremes of central Texas, but young trees, those damaged in winter storms and those showing obvious signs of stress require more care as prescribed below.
Look for signs of drooping leaves, yellowing or browning leaves and falling leaves. Signs of pests are also an indicator that your tree is under too much stress.
2 Water and mulch
Moisture in extreme heat is essential. It may seem a challenge during watering restrictions, but since the goal is to soak not spray, it is doable. One good watering each week is sufficient if you water early between 3-5 in the morning and water deeply throughout the entire canopy of the tree. 2-3 gallons per inch of trunk diameter is the recommended quantity. Large well-established trees will suffice with a good watering every two weeks.
To retain the moisture at the roots where is it needed, make sure that you add a deep layer of mulch (1-2 inches) or a moisture blanket of compost and mulch. Leave no bare ground uncovered.
3 No water, no problem
If your drip irrigation does not extend to all your trees, no problem. We can deliver water and apply it where needed, just let us know.
You can also employ the bucket method in which holes drilled at the bottom of a 5-gallon bucket slowly dripwater where needed. Complete details are here.
4 Avoid additional stress
Avoid excessive pruning. You can, however, trim dead branches, hazards or tree suckers which are pulling energy from the main tree.
In the heat of summer, fertilization should also be avoided.
5 Throw shade, please
For young trees and citrus trees, especially those facing south and west, sunburn is a real threat, Burlap blankets, shade cloths or even a large sheet, are helpful to cast shade for the most intense rays of the sun to protect these delicate trees as they continue to establish.
If you have trees in heat distress and need help watering or diagnosing, we are happy to help. Just let us know.
