Trees are a great addition to your outdoor space. They provide new elements to draw the eye, a source of shade, and a convenient barrier to keep out some noise. Fruit trees also provide the benefit of having your favourite fruit available to harvest right from your yard. It’s crucial during the summer that you care for your new trees properly, and caring for fruit trees in summer is particularly essential if you want a plentiful harvest in the future. Hot, dry summers specifically can have a negative impact on your young and growing trees so during the summer, human intervention is necessary to keep them growing healthy. In this blog, we will go over five tips that you can do to help your trees thrive this summer and many summers ahead.
1. Water Consistently Through Summer
Knowing how to water your young trees properly should be your first priority during the height of summer. Most young trees will need deeper, less frequent watering than most other garden plants but during particularly dry and very hot summers will need to be watered at least every other day. When you water your trees, be sure to focus on the root zone to maximize the amount of water that is absorbed each time. Utilize deep watering by going around the tree a few times, being sure to be more thorough with each round. This allows the water to seep deeper into the ground, which encourages deeper root growth. Water your trees early in the morning before the day begins to heat up as this ensures that evaporation is minimized. With more water available, the tree will be able to deal with the heat as the day goes on. Be sure that any weeds around the tree are cleared so that they do not steal water from the roots.
2. Watch for Heat Stress
When it comes to caring for young trees, proper cooling and shading are integral to keeping them healthy during the hottest months of summer. Like many young plants they’ll need plenty of shade to protect them from excess heat and developing heat stress. Keep a sharp eye out for signs of heat stress and pay close attention to the leaves as they will be your first warnings. Leaves that are drooping, wilting, and turning yellow earlier than what should be seasonal are all signs of heat stress. If your tree is experiencing heat stress, make sure that it’s given sufficient water to help it recover. Like all living things, adequate water in hot weather helps avoid dehydration.
Keep the signs of heat stress in mind, and you’ll have a better chance of catching it before damage is done.
3. Properly Fertilize
Young trees need to stay strong and healthy to grow properly. They need more nourishment in the soil to develop healthy leaf and shoot systems and to strengthen the tree against infection and pests. They need more nutrients so that they can absorb water and withstand the long days of summer ahead. Fertilizer ensures that this nourishment is readily available, especially as soil dries out and loses much of its nutrition. There are many factors that need to be considered when choosing an optimal type of fertilizer. Take into account the quality of the fertilizer to make sure your crop turns out healthy and tasty. Trees in high-stress areas like urban environments also tend to have higher fertilization needs. Consult a professional arborist to find the right custom fertilization treatment that will work for your tree’s specific needs.
4. Use Mulch
Applying mulch is a great way to protect the roots of your young trees from the heat and retain moisture. Proper application of mulch also helps take in more water and allows them to set down strong root systems. The rule of thumb for mulch is that when applying the substance, less is always more. The layer of mulch should be just enough to avoid creating a friendly environment for pests and germs but enough that they cover the roots. It’s also important to remember to leave some space between the mulch and the base of the tree as well. Arrange the mulch into a doughnut shape around the tree so that the roots are covered in a circumference and all area of the roots and base are protected from pests and animals.
5. Look After the Tree’s Roots
Tree roots are one of, if not the most vital parts of a tree. Looking after them is key to ensuring health and vitality. With the weather warming and more time spent outdoors, your trees may be exposed to more foot traffic. As mentioned in the previous tip, applying mulch is beneficial. This minor barrier protects roots and keeps people from coming near the tree. If the tree lies near a well-trodden path, and if the tree is young, invest in a more substantial barrier. Keeping animals from hurting young trees is important too, as they will be nesting or looking for shade to lay in. Consider planting some nearby shrubs to be extra certain that both people, and animals, are kept a safe distance from the tree. Shrubs can also double as deterrents for possible intruders on your property and act as natural privacy barriers.
Helping Young Trees Grow All Year-Round
Ensuring that your young trees can withstand the temperatures and challenges that summer brings will yield beautiful, strong trees that you can enjoy all-year round. When it comes to making sure that your trees are well-fed and properly cared for, Arcadia Tree & Lawn Care can help you manage the upkeep of your ornamental and fruit trees with environmentally-friendly products that lessen the impact on the Okanagan micro-climate.
Our company creates custom programs for businesses and residential clients to effectively treat your trees. We are WorkSafe compliant, ensuring the safety of our team, our clients and our Okanagan valley. Contact us today for a custom quote that will address the specific needs of your trees.