Heat Stress and Your Trees

As summer officially kicks off, mild to severe heat will become an issue for your trees in the Great Northwest. Extended periods of heat can tax trees and make them more susceptible to problems such as heat stress. Heat stress can lead to leaves with edges being scorched and eventually early leaf loss , causing die back and a thinner canopy. 

Why is heat a problem for trees?
Soaring temperatures can have a detrimental effect on trees growing in tough sites or those with damaged vascular systems. The way trees cool themselves is through a process called transpiration, where water is released from the leaves as water vapor. This is similar to the way we transpire water to cool our bodies when we sweat. As temperatures rise, water vapor is released through small pores in leaf surfaces. Even though trees have mechanisms to regulate water loss, water can evaporate from the leaves faster than it can be replaced. Even with sufficient soil moisture, trees and shrubs with limited/unhealthy root systems can struggle to move enough water. Lack of available water to trees and shrubs in hot areas often results in scorched, dead or wilted leaves. These leaves then become more likely to attract damaging insects like aphids or leaf roller.

What can I do to help my trees?

Watering your trees is extremely important during the hot months. Watering a tree should be deep so that the water soaks into the ground. A deep watering two to three times per month for established trees and a couple of times per week for newer trees is a good rule of thumb.  In addition to watering, mulching, fertilizing, and soil drenching can help create the optimal growing condition for your trees. If you are already seeing signs of damage call us right away. 1-800-LAWNCARE - www.livingwaterspray.com

Mulching is a way to help trees in general but especially in drought conditions. Consisting of organic materials such as wood chips or composted leaves, mulch helps conserve moisture in the soil and increases the amount of organic material and activity. For more tips on how you can help your trees during the summer, read our FAQ page.

Summer and Fall tree care will be very helpful this year. A great deal of root growth occurs in the in the summer but especially in the fall. Practices that promote root development will go a long way to protecting their long-term health. Help your trees begin to recover as they head into winter. Contact Living Water Lawn Care today to schedule your next appointment.

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