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How To Help Your Trees Survive The Hot Summer Months

Superior Arbor Management, Inc. • Sep 24, 2018
Tree Care in Summer

It’s easy to think of trees as a nuisance after the ice storms and power outages earlier this year, but the trees on your property can actually provide valuable shade and protect your home during the dry Georgia summer.

Trees can be a great way to save money on electricity and power bills, as the shade from green leafy trees can keep temperatures inside homes comfortable. But heat and drought can cause many trees to wilt or die, so learning to make summer tree care an effective addition to your landscaping routine will ensure you and your trees enjoy a cool, shady summer.

Watering
Georgia summers are known to be dry and unforgiving. To keep trees hydrated so that they last the season, try watering low to the ground with a slow sprinkler to reduce water loss. Water new trees near the base so that the roots receive the most water, and older trees to the extent of the canopy and beyond to make sure the entire root base is covered.
Watering trees at the coolest parts of the day, before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m., can help ensure that trees absorb most of the moisture.
Be wary of overwatering, too. Many trees native to Georgia are equipped to deal with the heat of summer, so many don’t need any extra water than what they absorb from rain and groundwater. You can research the specific trees in your area to see which ones need more attention.

Mulching
Adding a protective barrier of mulch or pine straw helps the ground around trees stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. If there is a layer of dead leaves and grass already at the base of your trees, put the rake away and let it be.
Mulch also keeps water from evaporating before it can reach a tree’s roots, meaning trees have to be watered less frequently.

Pruning
Some trees need to be pruned regularly to remain healthy and grow to their full potential, but most trees should not be pruned during the summer to decrease the risk of diseases and pests.

In cooler months, look for dry, brown leaves and brittle limbs to weed out the branches in need of a trim. Pruning will also keep limbs and branches from falling randomly in the winter and harming homes and other structures on your property like fences and porches, as well as helping trees grow full and green during the summer.

Planting
Summer may not be the best time to plant trees, but there are ways to ensure that the trees you choose for your yard will live long and stay healthy.

Know which trees to plant where. Some thrive in shade while others love the sun. Planting them in the right place in your yard helps eliminate problems caused by hot summers in the long run. Also, make sure you know how big a tree could get before you plant it. Putting a tree in an area without adequate room to grow can be damaging to a tree, just as planting a tree far away from any other foliage can keep necessary nutrients out of reach.

Also, planting trees native to your area means they will be less susceptible to stress and damage from heat and drought. Native trees have adapted to fight against many pests and diseases that non-native trees would fall prey to.
When to call in an expert
Sometimes, even the most attentive at home care isn’t enough to keep trees healthy and strong during a heat wave.
In warmer months, Georgians know to expect an influx of pesky insects. Trees also feel the pain of unwanted pests and diseases. Experts like Superior Arbor Management, who specialize in native Georgia tree health, can diagnose and deliver treatment against pesky diseases and pests that are more than a homeowner can handle.

Often, too many trees in one area can limit the growth potential, and cutting a few down can make all the difference. Atlanta tree service recommends calling in experts to remove unwanted trees safely so that your property will look fresh and beautiful all summer long.

Tim Costley

Tim Costley is the President of Superior Arbor Management, Inc. He has achieved the ISA Arborist Certification to provide the best possible tree care for S.A.M.’s customers. 


*ISA Certified Arborist #SO-1925A

*ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)

*ASCA (American Society of Consulting Arborist) Member

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