With summers getting hotter, you can be sure that the trees in your yard are not having an easy time, especially if they’re young and growing. Extreme summer heat can accelerate water loss through transpiration, resulting in wilting, leaf scorch, defoliation, and other problems. Luckily, there are simple strategies you can use to preserve your trees and keep them out of harm during summer.
At Grand Rapids Stump Grinding, we’ve compiled some tips on how to protect your trees during extreme summer heat. And know that we have what it takes to help you with stump grinding and stump removal if you’re looking to get rid of tree stumps in your yard.
Watch Out for Signs of Heat Stress
A tree is in distress when the roots struggle to tap enough water to compensate the loss from leaf tissue. Common signs of heat stress include leaf rolling and cupping, dry leaf edges, wilting, drooping, sap oozing from the trunk, and yellowing of the leaves. Heat stress can make a tree vulnerable to pests and diseases. Here are some of the preventative strategies you can implement to protect your trees against heat stress in the summer; Water your trees in the morning before 10.00 a.m. to reduce evaporation loss.Incorporate shading into your landscaping—you can use pergolas and shade sails.Move potted plants indoors or to an area with shade.
Layer Mulch Around the Base of Your Trees
Apply a layer of mulch around the root area to protect the trees from heat and retain moisture. This is especially important for young trees because they’re more vulnerable to heat damage. When applying mulch, keep in mind that less is more. The layer of mulch should be 2-4 inches thick, and be sure to leave some space between the base of the tree and the mulch. This will prevent moisture buildup and discourage pests and diseases from getting to the tree itself.
Water Your Trees Consistently
Another preventative strategy you can take to protect your trees from the summer heat is ensuring they get the right amount of water. You should focus on the root area to maximize the amount of water your trees get each time. It’s advisable to use drip irrigation to ensure slow and consistent application. Alternatively, you can run a garden hose on a low flow around the drip line of the branches.
NOTE: Tree roots spread 2-3 times the radius of the canopy, so you should not make the mistake of watering around the tree trunk, unless you’re watering very young trees.
Take Good Care of the Soil
If the soil around your tree is extremely compact, ensure you aerate the soil to improve air circulation and the flow of water to the roots. Use a soil auger to make holes with a 2-to-3-inch diameter. Then fill the holes loosely with topsoil and cover the area around your trees with a layer of mulch. Are you looking for a professional stump grinding company? Grand Rapids Stump Grinding is one phone call away.
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