How to Protect and Care for Your Trees During a Heat Wave
by Taylor's Way | Dec 10, 2018 | Blog
While resilient even to extreme heat and weather conditions, trees, just like humans, need to be kept safe when faced with an upcoming heat wave. Our tree service Mendota, IL specialists have gathered to offer their advice on how to properly protect and care for your trees during a heat wave.
1. Watering
Transpiration is a natural process that occurs in humans, animals and plants as well. In order to help your trees receive the amount of water necessary to compensate transpiration and stay healthy even during a heat wave, you need to offer them a proper watering program.
Newly Planted Trees
Newly planted trees need twice the water amount you use in normal summer conditions. If you water a new tree once a week with a gallon of water, during a heat wave use two gallons — and water twice as often as well.
Older Trees
Older trees are more resilient, but they still need extra care. Ask your local tree service Mendota, IL specialists to assess the situation and make specific recommendations on your old trees' watering needs.
Mulching
Add a layer of moist mulch around each tree following the 3-3-3 rule. If the mulch decomposes faster due to extreme temperatures, renew the layer to keep your trees' root systems cool, moist and safe from heat, pests and weeds.
Water trees very early in the morning to avoid rapid evaporation. Make regular inspections of all your trees and water them when watering is needed.
2. Shading and Covering
Sometimes heat waves are powerful enough to scorch the vegetation on your property beyond recognition. While tree covers and shading methods are just temporary fixes, they are also necessary to protect the trees' leaves and crowns.
Install Tree Cloth Covers
Ask your local tree service Mendota, IL specialists to properly install tree cloth covers and add more shade to your shrubs and bushes so they don't get sun hardened.
Use Shade Sails
Shade sails offer temporary but effective protection during extreme heat. These should only be used for the duration of the heat wave to prevent your vegetation from becoming too dependent on shade.
Remove Covers Afterward
Shade sails and tree covers should be removed once the heat wave has passed. If vegetation gets too accustomed to the shade, it will have a hard time adjusting to sunlight again.
3. Tree Maintenance
Your local tree service Mendota, IL experts can offer their expertise on proper tree pruning during a heat wave. You should prune your trees in summer, removing branches and twigs that are dry, dead, unsafe or diseased.
Summer Pruning
Pruning your trees in summer allows them to save up their energy to thrive and handle a heat wave better. Remove all dry, dead, unsafe or diseased branches and twigs.
Regular Assessments
Regular tree assessments are the best way to keep your trees healthy and strong no matter the weather conditions. Schedule inspections with your local tree service specialists.
Need Help Protecting Your Trees This Summer?
Taylor's Way tree service specialists in Mendota, IL are here to help you assess, prune, water and protect your trees during extreme heat. Contact us today for expert advice tailored to your property.
