Our top tips for summer tree care

As the warmth of summer embraces us, it brings with it unique challenges and opportunities for maintaining the health and beauty of our trees and hedges. Whether you're nurturing fruit trees, caring for a towering eucalyptus, or keeping your hedges neat, this guide will provide essential tips to ensure your greenery thrives during the hottest months of the year.

Why is tree care important in the summer?

Tree care is crucial in the summer because the season's intense heat and prolonged daylight can stress trees, making them more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and dehydration. Proper summer tree care, including adequate watering, pruning, and mulching, ensures trees remain healthy and resilient. This helps them continue to grow, produce fruit, and maintain their structural integrity, which is essential for both the tree's longevity and the overall beauty and ecological balance of your landscape.

Join us as we dive into the many facets of summer tree and hedge care. We’ll outline everything you need to know, so you can spend more of your time enjoying your summer foliage. 

Fruit trees in summer 

Fruit trees are especially important in the summer, as this is when many varieties bear their delicious harvests. Popular types like apple, peach, and citrus trees become focal points in gardens, providing fresh, homegrown produce that many people cherish.

Most garden enthusiasts invest significant effort in maintaining their fruit trees, employing diligent watering, pruning, and pest control practices to ensure a healthy and bountiful yield. This dedication not only enhances the trees' productivity but also enriches the summer experience with fresh, flavourful fruits.

Can you plant fruit trees in summer?

Planting fruit trees in summer can be successful if you take the right precautions. Ensure the young fruit tree is well-hydrated before planting, and choose a cool day or plant in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense midday sun. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.

Tops tips for planting fruit trees in summer

• Choose the ideal summer planting time: it’s best to aim for either early summer or late summer to avoid the hottest months of the season. 
• Plant during cooler times: early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat.
• Water before planting: ensure the tree is well-hydrated before planting.
• Prepare soil: enrich with compost for better soil quality and drainage.
• Mulch around the base: apply mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
• Consistent watering: keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

What fruit trees to plant in summer? 

Summer is a great time to plant fruit trees that love the warmth and have time to grow before cooler weather arrives. Growing fruit trees that do well in your local climate is essential to ensure they thrive.

Good choices for summer planting: 

• Citrus trees (oranges, lemons, limes) – love the heat and grow well in summer.
• Stone fruits (peaches, plums, apricots) – need full sun and do well in summer.
• Fig trees – hardy and perfect for warm climates.
• Pomegranate trees – thrive in hot weather.
• Avocado trees – enjoy the warmth and grow strong roots in summer.

Can you prune fruit trees in summer?

Summer pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and health of fruit trees. When it comes to fruit tree pruning, focus on removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Thinning out overcrowded areas allows sunlight and air to penetrate, which helps in fruit production and reduces the risk of diseases. Additionally, summer is a great time to prune stone fruit trees, especially after fruiting. 

Tops tips for pruning fruit trees in summer 

• Remove dead or diseased branches: focus on cutting out any unhealthy parts first.
• Thin out crowded areas: allow sunlight and air to reach all parts of the tree.
• Avoid heavy pruning: stick to light cuts to prevent stressing the tree.
• Prune water sprouts and suckers: remove fast-growing, non-fruiting shoots when you prune fruit trees.
• Use sharp, clean tools: ensure your pruning tools are sharp and sanitised to make clean cuts and prevent disease spread.

How often to water fruit trees in summer?  

Consistent watering is crucial during summer. Water deeply to ensure the roots receive enough moisture, but avoid waterlogging. A drip irrigation system can be effective for maintaining optimal moisture levels without wastage.

Tops tips for watering fruit trees in summer 

• Water deeply: ensure water reaches the tree's root zone by watering deeply rather than just at the surface.
• Maintain consistency: water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging.
• Early morning or evening: water in the cooler parts of the day to reduce evaporation and maximise absorption.
• Mulch to retain moisture: apply mulch around the base of the tree to help retain soil moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering.
• Check soil moisture: regularly check the soil moisture level to ensure it's not too dry or too wet, adjusting watering as needed.

Care guides for different types of trees in summer 

Eucalyptus trees 

Eucalyptus trees thrive in summer heat but require occasional deep watering, especially if newly planted. Mulching helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Avoid heavy pruning; instead, remove deadwood and thin out dense foliage.

Willow trees

Willow trees, particularly weeping willows, need plenty of water. Ensure they have a consistent water supply to prevent stress. Prune willows lightly to maintain their shape and remove any dead or diseased branches.

Ash trees 

Ash trees are relatively hardy but still benefit from regular watering during dry spells. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture. Summer is a good time to inspect for the emerald ash borer, a common pest, and take preventive measures.

Deciduous trees 

Deciduous trees and deciduous fruit trees, which shed their leaves in the fall, require specific summer care to stay healthy. Deep watering is essential to support their active growth phase. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and keep roots cool. Light pruning to remove dead or diseased branches can prevent issues later in the year. Monitoring for pests like aphids and caterpillars is crucial, as these pests can cause significant damage during the summer months.

What happens to trees in summer?

Due to longer daylight hours during summer, trees undergo increased photosynthesis. This boosts growth but also means they require more water. Leaves may become darker green as chlorophyll production ramps up. However, excessive heat can stress trees, leading to wilting leaves and, in extreme cases, premature leaf drop.

Pruning trees in summer 

Can I prune trees in summer?

Summer pruning helps maintain the structure and health of your trees. When it is time to prune, start by removing any water sprouts (fast-growing vertical shoots) and suckers (growth from the base). Light summer tree pruning can also manage size and shape but avoid heavy cuts, as this can expose young trees to sunburn and stress.

Hedge care in summer 

Can I trim hedges in summer? 

Regular trimming keeps hedges neat and promotes dense growth. Aim to trim hedges frequently to avoid the need to trim excessively when the hedges have grown too large. 

Can you plant hedges in summer?

Yes, planting hedges in summer is possible, but it requires extra care. Regular watering and mulching will retain moisture and protect the roots from the heat. Opt for heat-resistant hedge varieties for better success.

How often do I water hedges in summer?

In summer, water hedges deeply 2-3 times a week. Adjust the frequency based on rainfall and soil conditions, ensuring the roots remain consistently moist without becoming waterlogged.

Watering new trees in summer 

How often should you water trees in summer?

Newly planted trees need extra attention during summer. Water them deeply and regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Mulching helps retain moisture and protects the young roots from the intense heat.

Tree water absorption in summer 

Trees absorb more water in summer due to increased transpiration. Ensure a consistent watering schedule, focusing on deep, infrequent watering rather than shallow, frequent sprinkling.

Tree diseases in summer 

What are some common tree diseases in summer?

Summer can exacerbate certain tree diseases. Keep an eye out for signs of fungal infections, such as powdery mildew or anthracnose. Ensure proper air circulation through pruning and avoid overhead watering to minimise the risk of fungal growth.

How to treat rust on trees? 

Rust on trees is a fungal infection that causes orange or yellow spots on leaves and can weaken the tree if left untreated. To treat rust, remove and destroy infected leaves, apply a fungicide specifically designed for rust, and ensure proper tree care by watering, pruning, and providing adequate airflow. Regular monitoring and early intervention are key to preventing rust from spreading.

Tree pests in summer 

What are some common tree pests in summer?

Common summer pests include aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. Regularly inspect your trees and use organic insecticides or natural predators like ladybugs to control infestations. Early detection is key to preventing severe damage.

Mulching trees in summer 

Can I mulch in summer?

Mulching is a vital practice in summer tree care. It helps retain soil moisture, regulates temperature, and suppresses weeds. Apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, but keep it away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Get your trees flourishing this summer with help from Trav’s Trees Services 

Whether you're looking to enhance fruit production or maintain the beauty of your landscape, Trav’s Trees Services has the knowledge and tools to help your trees thrive in the summer heat. Trust us to keep your greenery lush and resilient all season long.