When you think about preparing for summer, what comes to mind? Whether it’s cleaning the pool for that first dip of the season, getting your barbecue ready for a sausage sizzle, or buying new outdoor furniture to laze away in, you’re not alone! And while those things and more await you in the warmer months ahead, there’s something else you need to do when preparing for summer that’s even more important.
This article explains all you need to know about summer tree care so that you and your trees are prepared for the scorching summer season. For personalised advice, contact our team at Oz Tree Services today.
Summer Tree Care Starts Now
On a sizzling summer day, there’s nothing better than sitting outside in the shade of a leafy tree. Whether you’re reading a book or watching your friends splash in the pool, it’s hard to imagine anything more relaxing! But to make sure that tree is there and as healthy as can be for all your relaxation needs, you need to take care of it before summer kicks into high gear.
Garden, Yard, and Tree Care Tips for Summer
Your shady tree is just one of the things you need to consider as the weather warms up. As a homeowner, it’s crucial to prepare your property in every way you can to reduce the risks that come along with summer.
Preparing your home for summer involves:
1. Pruning Trees
Pruning your trees just enough is vital for keeping them happy, healthy, and free from disease. If you don’t prune them at all they’ll have less air circulation, which often invites pests and diseases in. On the other hand, over-pruning can stress a tree, cause it to go into shock, and deplete its energy reserves— which can also lead to pest and disease infestations.
The time that you prune is also crucial. Don’t do any heavy pruning in summer, as the heat is already stressful for them— we don’t need to add more stress! Early warning signs of heat stress in trees are wilting and dropping leaves, yellowing or browning leaves, a thinning canopy, and slowing or stunted growth. As heat stress can contribute to long-term damage, it’s important to recognise the signs and act quickly if you notice them.
Aim to prune trees as early in summer or as late in spring as you can. After this, limit pruning as much as possible during the hottest part of the year by only taking off dead or damaged branches for safety reasons.
2. Removing Hazardous Trees
If a tree on your property is a potential hazard, it should be removed as soon as possible. Don’t wait until a storm starts to realise that hazardous tree removal is a necessity rather than a suggestion. Not only can a hazardous tree pose a risk to you and your family, but it can cause significant damage to properties, other structures, power lines, and the community as a whole.
3. Evaluating Fire Risks
Dry waste is fuel for fires, and this is especially worrisome during summer. Reducing your fire risk as much as possible is key. You can do this by removing dead or dry vegetation such as leaves, branches, and grass from your property, cleaning out your gutters and roof, and pruning trees and shrubs prior to the start of the season.
4. Preparing for Storms
Storms during summer are a common occurrence, and while they’re often interesting to watch, they’re less fun for your trees. Dead or damaged tree branches are weak and can fall in strong winds. Depending on where they’re located and what’s nearby, they have the potential to fall on your home, car, or power lines during a storm— all of which can cause significant problems. Make sure you protect your home and your family by aiming to prevent these problems rather than deal with them if they happen.
5. Mulching and Gardening
Ensure you water your garden correctly by doing so in the coolest parts of the day (generally first thing in the morning, or early in the evening). This is so the water has time to absorb before the heat of the day (or the next day) sets in.
When it comes to mulching, this is sometimes overlooked— and it shouldn’t be! Mulching helps trees to retain their water and recycling dead tree waste benefits the rest of the garden. As dead tree waste such as fallen branches and leaves contains essential nutrients for garden growth, make as much use of it as you can. It also helps to improve the soil’s structure and capacity for retaining moisture, making mulching one of the best things you can do for your garden this summer.
Get Your Garden Summer-Ready
Who’s ready for summer? Your trees sure are! While you enjoy lazy days at the beach or float down the river on an inflatable animal, your trees will be happy at home with the care you’ve given them.
If your trees could use some extra attention ahead of the upcoming season, our team at Oz Tree Services is here to help. With over 30 years of experience and a large range of services from tree pruning to hazardous tree removal, we’ve got you covered! To find out more, reach out to us for a free quote today.