Caring for trees in summer is more important than ever, as rising temperatures and dry spells become increasingly common. With proper care, your trees can withstand the challenges of the season and continue to grow strong and healthy!

Recent Years

In recent years, the UK has experienced some of its hottest summers on record. The summer of 2018 brought an extended heatwave with weeks of high temperatures and dry conditions. Then in 2022, we experienced notably hot conditions, with record-breaking temperatures of over 40°C! Anyone travelling through southern England at this time could see the visible impact of these extremes, as many trees struggled or failed to survive the drought.

During the summer of 2018, newly planted trees, particularly those set in the autumn of 2017 and spring of 2018, were hit the hardest. Species like Silver birch (Betula pendula) and Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) suffered substantial losses. In fact, some reports estimate that up to 60% of trees perished due to desiccation. This had a significant impact on the following planting season, with increased demand placing pressure on nurseries and leading to shortages.

Summer Tree Care: Why Watering Matters

During summer, the most important thing you can do is establish a regular watering routine. Keeping the soil consistently moist helps reduce stress and supports healthy root development. However, it’s essential to avoid both overwatering and underwatering. Dry soil can damage roots and inhibit growth, while overly saturated soil can prevent roots from accessing necessary oxygen.

Top Watering Tips for Healthy Trees

1. Don’t rely on rainfall: Summer showers often don’t provide enough moisture for the root system. Stick to your watering schedule regardless of recent rain.

2. Water at the base: Focus your watering around the trunk to target the roots.

3. Don’t water the leaves: Wet leaves can encourage fungal issues or lead to leaf scorch.

4. Use a rose attachment: A rose head on your watering can reduce runoff and help water penetrate the soil more effectively.

Hopefully, this article helped to show how correctly caring for trees in summer can reduce stress and help prevent loss. For more information, check out this article and remember, with consistent care and attention your trees will continue to thrive, even during the hottest months.