Thriving through the heat: essential tree care tips for drought and extreme heat conditions

At Beswick Tree Service, we're committed to sharing insights that empower our customers to ensure the health and resilience of our leafy companions. Let's explore some crucial tree care practices to help your trees thrive in the face of hot, dry conditions. 

How do I tell if my tree is suffering from heat stress? 

Here are some common signs of heat stress in trees: 

• Leaf Wilting and Curling - Leaves appear droopy, wilted or curled, especially during the hottest part of the day 
• Leaf Scorch - The edges or tips of the leaves may turn down or develop a burnt appearance 
• Drooping Branches - Branches and twigs may hang down noticeably due to water loss and lack of turgidity caused by heat stress 
• Cracked Bark - In severe cases, a tree's bark might show signs of cracking or damage due to the stress caused by extreme heat 
• Blossom or Fruit Drop - Fruit-bearing trees may drop their fruits prematurely 

I think my tree is suffering from heat stress. What should I do? 

Here are 3 simple steps you can take if your tree is suffering from heat stress: 

• Watering - Deep watering is preferable, allowing the water to penetrate the soil and to reach the tree's root system. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to provide a slow and deep watering. We would caution you to not over-water, however, as the tree may develop root rot with excessive watering. Be sure to check out our Tree Watering Guide for more insights on how best to water your trees. 
• Mulching - Apply a 4-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Mulch also prevents weed growth, which can compete for water and nutrients. For young trees, create an elevated bowl surround the trunk of the tree, to help capture water. For more mature trees, we suggest you evenly spread the mulch around the trunk of the tree. 
• Monitor Soil Moisture - Regularly check soil moisture around the tree. Take a 12" screwdriver, as an example, and insert it into the ground around the drip line. If it slides in easily and has tiny clumps of moist soil attached to it, your tree doesn't need watering. But if the soil is rock hard and powdery dry, its time to water!