MENUSummer in Georgia brings intense heat, long stretches of sun, and periods of limited rainfall. While established trees are built to withstand seasonal changes, prolonged drought and high temperatures can place significant stress on even the healthiest trees.
When trees become stressed, they are more susceptible to insect infestations, disease issues, branch failure, and overall decline. Proper watering and mulching are two simple and highly effective ways to support tree health during the hottest months of the year.
At Gunnison Tree Services, we encourage property owners to take a proactive approach to summer tree care to help protect the long-term health, safety, and value of their trees.
Trees depend on healthy soil conditions and consistent moisture to thrive. During periods of extreme heat, trees lose water through a natural process called transpiration. If the soil cannot provide enough moisture to replace what is being lost, drought stress begins to develop.
Common signs of drought stress include:
Addressing moisture needs before stress becomes severe can help trees remain healthy and resilient throughout the growing season.
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is watering too frequently and not deep enough. Trees benefit most from deep watering that reaches the root system.
Tree roots often extend well beyond the trunk and can reach far outside the visible canopy. Water should be applied throughout the root zone rather than concentrated at the base of the tree.
A slow soak allows water to penetrate deeply into the soil where roots can effectively absorb it.
Deep watering once or twice per week is generally more beneficial than light daily watering. Deep moisture encourages roots to grow farther into the soil, helping trees become more drought tolerant over time.
Morning watering is ideal because it allows moisture to soak into the soil before temperatures rise and evaporation increases. Watering in the evening can also be effective, but early morning remains the preferred option.
Young trees require special attention during summer. Because their root systems are still developing, newly planted trees often need more frequent watering during their first two years to establish successfully.
Mulch does much more than improve the appearance of a landscape. When installed correctly, it helps create healthier growing conditions for trees while reducing moisture loss during hot weather.
Benefits of mulch include:
While mulch is beneficial, improper application can create problems.
Apply mulch in a broad ring around the tree to cover as much of the root zone as practical. This helps retain moisture and reduces competition from surrounding vegetation.
A mulch layer of approximately 2 to 3 inches is typically ideal. Excessive mulch can limit oxygen availability and create overly wet conditions around roots.
Avoid piling mulch directly against the trunk. So-called "mulch volcanoes" can trap moisture against the bark, leading to decay, insect activity, and disease issues.
Healthy trees add beauty, shade, and value to your property, but summer conditions can take a toll if moisture levels are not properly maintained.
Deep watering and proper mulching are simple practices that can help reduce drought stress, support healthy root development, and improve a tree's ability to withstand challenging environmental conditions.
In addition to proper watering and mulching, professional tree care can help identify concerns before they become major problems. Services such as tree risk assessments, structural pruning, cabling and bracing, and plant health care treatments can all contribute to stronger, healthier trees.
At Gunnison Tree Services, our ISA Certified Arborists help property owners throughout Atlanta protect and preserve their trees through every season. Whether you need a tree health evaluation or guidance on caring for valuable landscape trees, our team is here to help. With the right care and attention, your trees can remain healthy, resilient, and beautiful throughout the summer and for years to come. Contact us today!