It is essential to take proactive measures to help your trees beat the heat.
Maryland natives cherish their trees. From pine trees to maple trees, Maryland’s tree canopy is a crucial part of the state. However, as summers grow hotter and become more dry, trees can become more susceptible to heat stress. It is essential to take proactive measures to help your trees beat the heat and make sure Maryland trees are both green and lush. During the summer, trees can suffer from weakened health, dehydration, and increased susceptibility to pests and other diseases. Providing them with consistent and proper tree care in the heat is essential. Read on to learn more!
What Are Long-Term Impacts of Heat Stress on Your Trees?
Once trees experience higher temperatures without enough water, they eventually reach a point where they are unable to take in enough water from the soil to support the entire tree canopy. During this time, the tree closes stomata on the leaves, resulting in reduced photosynthesis and slowed growth. This could weaken the tree and make it susceptible to diseases and pests. There are a lot of common symptoms of heat stress you should look out for:
- Curling and wilting leaves
- Scorched leaves
- Dying branches
- Thinning canopy or dropped leaves
- Increased susceptibility to wood-boring insects
- Discoloration of your tree needles
The most effective way to prevent any heat stress is through preventative maintenance, such as deep watering, correct mulching, pruning, and applying phosphites and humates.
Should You Water Your Trees in a Heatwave
The primary tip for watering trees in the dry weather is to water very deeply and infrequently. A soaker hose or a new drip irrigation system will let water penetrate deeply into the soil without any runoff while maintaining water flow control. Watering early in the morning will reduce evaporation losses and also ensure that the trees have enough moisture to face the day’s heat. While it seems like the best course of action is to water much more often, aiming for a thorough soaking around once or twice a week will encourage deeper root growth, which makes trees much more resilient to a possible drought.
Reach out to Harford Tree to learn how you can take care of your trees from the intense summer heat this year!
Tree Care and Maintenance from Harford Tree
Ready to have the beautiful yard you have always dreamed of? Harford Tree Experts & Landscaping, Inc has been in the business for decades, providing customers with quality work and quick responses all at the right price. We service the areas of Harford County, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City areas including Bel Air, Fallston, Perry Hall, Towson, Essex, Parkville, White Marsh and Middle River.
For service during business hours, reach out to us or give us a call at 410-592-7321. We offer 24/7 emergency service as well, just give us a call at 443-250-6649. For updates about our business and more informative tips, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.