Protecting Your Trees from Summer Heat Stress

Is your tree struggling with the summer heat? Learn how to identify signs of heat stress and help it recover with expert advice from Dyer’s Tree Service.

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    As summer drifts closer to fall, you’re likely counting down the days until cooler weather returns. And after surviving yet another hot summer in Central Virginia, we all deserve a break!

    While we’re focused on enjoying the final weeks of the season, let’s not forget about our trees, which have also endured scorching temperatures, intense sunlight, and periods of little to no rain. Heat stress in trees is a real concern, but there are a few things you can do to ensure your trees recover and provide that beautiful autumn color change you’ve been waiting for.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Recognizing the signs of heat stress early on can significantly improve your tree’s chances of recovery.
    • Proper watering, mulching, and pruning are important for helping heat-stressed trees recover.
    • Choosing tree species well-suited to Central Virginia’s climate can increase their resilience to heat stress.

    What Is Heat Stress?

    Central Virginia summers are notorious for their sweltering temperatures and high humidity. While we retreat indoors to escape the heat, our trees are left to endure the unbearable conditions. Prolonged periods of drought conditions and extreme heat can lead to heat stress and raise concerns for our trees’ health and stability.

    Heat stress weakens a tree’s overall health, making it more susceptible to pests and diseases. Common pests that thrive on weakened trees include aphids, scale insects, and emerald ash borers. Diseases such as fungal infections and cankers can also take hold more easily in stressed trees.

    The bottom line is that the sooner you address heat stress, the better your tree’s chances of a full recovery.

    Green leaves with curled edges that are turning brown and crispy, signs of leaf scorch.

    Joseph OBrien, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

    Signs of Heat Stress in Trees

    So, how do you know if your tree is feeling the heat? Keep an eye out for these common signs:

    • Leaves wilting or curling.
    • Stems and branches that are drooping.
    • Brown, crispy edges appear on the tips of leaves, known as leaf scorch.
    • Leaves are dropping prematurely.
    • Leaves turning yellow, brown, or even rust colored.
    • The tree is failing to produce new, healthy growth.

    Many of these symptoms are often confused with signs of common tree diseases. If you’re not sure what your tree is suffering from, we recommend you call a Certified Arborist for a proper diagnosis.

    How to Help Your Trees Recover from Heat Stress

    If you’ve spotted signs of heat stress, the good news is that most trees recover. To help your tree bounce back, focus on providing the essential tree care it needs.

    Water Correctly

    When watering your trees, focus on soaking the root zone deeply rather than giving shallow, frequent watering. The root zone is typically within the drip line, or the invisible circle around the tree that starts at the tree’s outermost branches. Deep watering encourages deeper root growth, bringing many other benefits:

    • Improved drought tolerance
    • Enhanced stability
    • Reduced competition with shallow-rooted plants
    • Better nutrient uptake from richer soil layers

    Apply Mulch

    Applying a layer of organic mulch around your tree’s base can help retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and add extra nutrients. Keep the mulch away from the tree trunk to prevent a mulch volcano that can lead to rot and pest problems.

    Prune Properly

    While pruning can be beneficial for trees, avoid heavy pruning during hot weather as it can stress the tree even more. However, removing dead, dying, damaged, or poorly structured branches can improve air circulation and the tree’s overall structure.

    Check Soil Health

    A healthy tree starts with the soil in which the roots grow. Soil should be dark, crumbly, and rich in organic matter. If your soil is compacted or clay-like, consider aerating it to improve drainage and oxygenation. A soil test can also provide valuable insights into nutrient levels and pH balance.

    Climate Change and Its Effect on Heat-Stressed Trees

    Not all trees are created equal when it comes to withstanding heat stress. Some species, particularly those native to arid climates, have natural adaptations that make them more resilient to high temperatures and drought.

    However, climate change poses unprecedented challenges for many tree species across the United States. Rising temperatures and abnormal precipitation patterns push trees beyond their tolerance limits, resulting in widespread tree mortality.

    To increase the chances of tree survival in a changing climate, consider planting native species well-suited to Central Virginia’s conditions. These trees have evolved alongside native insects, diseases, and soil types, making them more likely to thrive.

    Beat the Summer Heat with Expert Tree Care from Dyer’s

    If you suspect your trees are suffering from heat stress or require professional care, don’t hesitate to call Dyer’s Tree Service at 540-827-7245. Our Certified Arborist can assess your trees’ health, recommend appropriate treatments, and provide the expert care they need to thrive.

    Let Dyer’s Tree Service help keep your trees strong and beautiful, even during the hottest months of the year.

    Dyer's arborist standing in front of a chipper truck.

    Travis Dyer

    Travis, a Virginia native, has a lifelong passion for trees. Growing up working alongside his father and uncle in the tree care industry, he gained invaluable experience and developed a deep respect for trees. Now, as a Certified Arborist himself, Travis continues to provide expert care services across Northern and Central Virginia.