Sandy, Oregon Tree Care Tips For Summer

You may have taken care of everything on your spring cleaning to-do list, but it’s important to ensure your trees are in peak condition for the upcoming summer. Even the healthiest of trees need some TLC when the cold winter months are behind us. That’s why the certified arborist at Westcoast Tree Care would like to provide you with the following Sandy, Oregon tree care tips for summer.

Check for Signs of Heat Stress

During the summer, it’s often common for trees to suffer from heat stress. That’s why it’s important to check for the signs below.

Wilted or yellow leaves
Fruit and flower drop
Leaf or branch drop
Dead or brown leaf tips or leaf margins

If you find any of these signs, take the time to refresh any mulch over a tree’s root zone to help insulate the roots from hot temperatures and minimize any moisture loss from the solid. Additionally, if the soil is dry, make sure to water your trees as soon as possible.

Trim Or Prune As Needed

While winter is the ideal time to prune your trees during their dormant state, light pruning or trimming may be necessary to remove summer growth, such as crossing or rubbing branches. Furthermore, light pruning or trimming will also allow more sunlight into a tree’s canopy while preventing the spread of insect infestations and diseases. Additionally, if you notice larger branches that you’d like to remove but now is not the time, tie a length of string around the branches so you can remember which ones to have removed during winter pruning.

Keep in mind that it’s never a good idea to try and attempt to trim or prune a tree on your own. Doing so can result in harm to your and irreversible damage to a tree. That’s why it’s essential to hire a certified arborist to get the job done safely and efficiently.

Maintain A Clean Yard

Maintaining a clean yard is a regular summer task. During this time, take the time to inspect your trees for any signs of insect infestation or disease. Why? Pests and diseases are easier to treat when you catch them early. Additionally, rake up any dead leaves or debris left over from pruning to prevent unwanted pests or fungus growth. You should also remove any weeds from around your trees before they become difficult to control because they will eventually compete for water and nutrients a tree needs.

Be Firewise

While it’s important to trim trees regularly to maintain health and beauty, dead leaves and branches will actually become dry tinder if they aren’t adequately disposed of. At Westcoast Tree Care, we support our clients with fire risk abatement services to help create a defensible space that will protect your home and property by reducing the spread of wildfire. These include tree pruning, deadwood removal and selective tree removal, tree spacing, and more. To learn more, click here.

Fertilize & Mulch

Make sure the soil around your trees maintains optimal levels of mineral nutrients and organic matter. It’s also important to add mulch as it helps to protectively cool your trees during the hottest, driest months of the year while retaining moisture and minimizing weed growth. No matter the size or age of your tree, all trees benefit from fertilizer and mulching. However, it’s important to leave a clear space around the trunk. Otherwise, it can promote mold and fungi. Doing so is important to the health of your trees, especially during the hot summer months.