Best Tree Practices for the Hot Summer Heat in Dallas

Few people can argue that summers seem to be getting hotter and hotter. The hot weather can leave trees especially vulnerable to disease and insect infestations. The experts know something that not many people know. The best time to water trees is usually between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. This is usually the time that nature turns on its sprinkler system: dew. It’s not how much you water, but when you water. If you’ve watered and the soil is moist, you can ease up on the water.

• Apply mulch, such as wood chips during heat waves. Mulch actually insulates soil and can stop ground temperatures from rising too high. Hot soil temperature can kill roots. Mulching also provides the soil with much needed nutrients, and acts to suppress weeds. Add water before mulching and layer the mulch about two inches deep. Do not allow the mulch to touch the tree’s trunk.
• Trees naturally need more water in summer than at any other time of year. Just remember that water can evaporate before it reaches its destination at the tree’s roots. Water trees slowly and at the right time of day.
• It’s a good idea to fertilize trees throughout the year. The early summer months are perfect for using nitrogen-based fertilizers. If you notice that tree leaves are wilted or discolored, it’s a sign they need fertilizing. Getting the right balances of potassium, phosphorous, and nitrates can be very tricky.
• Your pruning efforts, done carefully, should entail removing dead or dying limbs. Also, be on the lookout for damaged and diseased branches.

Prioritize your watering efforts for those trees that are most at risk. These would include new and transplanted trees. You can always count on their root systems being damaged or underdeveloped. Check for trees growing in restricted areas. These are property trees with limited access, trees growing in planters and those on the narrow strips between the street and sidewalks. If your trees are considered drought-sensitive like beeches, birches and dogwoods, consider them to be a priority. Your trees need at least one inch of water a week. Factor this in with the amount of rainfall.Remaining Water ConsciousThe experts agree that people make two mistakes with respect to watering: not watering their trees or overwatering. Mature trees only need watering once a month, while younger trees need watering weekly. You may want to keep this schedule up for younger trees for the first three to five years of their life. Give them time to be placed on a monthly watering cycle.About SprinklersYou may not know it, but sprinklers are among the worst ways to water trees. It’s far too easy for water to evaporate before trees have a chance to absorb the water. A soaker hose will get the job done.Do You Need Professional Tree Service?You may not know it, but there’s a strong likelihood that you do. Our trees benefit the world with oxygen, shade, medicines, and beauty. As such, they provide something that is communal, social, and emotional. At Wauson Tree Service, we think your trees should be admired and preserved. Your trees, just like people, need annual check-ups to ensure their health and safety.We pride ourselves in offering affordable pricing, and we’ve been in the business for nearly 50 years, so we know a thing or two about trees and arborist services. We’re also family owned. When you need pruning, cabling, stump removal, fertilization, and cabling and tree bracing, we’re the friendly folks to contact. Call 214.450.8720 to learn more about our services. Email at walt@wausontreeservice.com.