How to Care for Heat-Stressed Trees in Southlake

Date June 10, 2022

Author TreeNewal Staff

As the heat continues to bear down on North Texas, heat-stressed trees are becoming more and more common. These trees need special care in order to survive the heat and prevent any long-term damage. Here at TreeNewal, our tree care specialists are experts in caring for heat-stressed trees. We have put together a guide on how you can identify a heat-stressed tree and how you can go about caring for it properly.

How Do Trees Become Heat Stressed?

Heat isn’t the only factor that can lead to heat stress in trees. Other factors such as drought, lack of water, and poor drainage can also play a role. When any of these factors are present, it puts the tree under immense stress and makes it more susceptible to heat-related damage.

Signs of Heat Stress in Trees

The first step in caring for a heat-stressed tree is to be able to identify the signs of heat stress. These can include:

Wilting Leaves

One of the first signs that a tree is heat-stressed is if its leaves begin to wilt or turn brown. If you see this happening, it is important to act quickly. The tree will need extra water and attention in order to survive the heat.

Drooping Branches

Another sign of heat stress is drooping branches. This is usually caused by the tree not getting enough water. If you see this happening, you will need to water the tree more frequently.

Cracking or Peeling Bark

If the heat is really taking a toll on a tree, you may start to see cracks forming in the bark. This is a sign of severe heat stress and the tree will need to be watered immediately.

Premature Fall Coloration

One of the most drastic signs of heat stress is if the leaves of the tree start to change color prematurely. This is a sign that the tree is not getting enough water and is in danger of dying. If you see this happening, you will need to water the tree immediately and consult with a tree care specialist.

Leaf Scorch

Leaf scorch is another common symptom of heat stress. This happens when the leaves of the tree are exposed to too much heat and start to turn brown or black. If you see this happening, you will need to provide the tree with extra water and shade.

If you see any of these signs in your tree, it is likely that it is heat stressed and in need of some extra care.

Caring for a Heat-Stressed Tree

Once you have identified that a tree is heat-stressed, there are steps you can take to help it recover.

Water the Tree Regularly

The most important thing you can do for a heat-stressed tree is to water it regularly. This will help the tree to recover from the heat and prevent any long-term damage.

Apply Mulch

Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the tree will also help to protect it from the heat. Mulch will help to keep the roots cool and moisturized.

Prune the Tree

If the heat has really taken a toll on the tree, you may need to prune it. This will help to remove any dead or damaged branches. Since summer is not an ideal time for pruning, be sure to leave this step to the pros. They will be able to avoid any injuries to the tree that can risk leading to disease or illness.

Protecting the Tree from Heat with Shade Cloth or Burlap

Another way to protect a heat-stressed tree is to provide it with some shade. This can be done by using shade cloth or burlap. This will help to keep the tree cool and prevent any further heat damage.

If you have a heat-stressed tree, it is important to take care of it properly in order to prevent any long-term damage. By following these tips, you can help your tree to recover from the heat and stay healthy.

If you’re doing all of the above, and the tree is still heat-stressed, it may not be a suitable tree for the site.

How TreeNewal Can Help You This Summer

The heat isn’t the only thing that can stress trees during the summer months. Pests, storms, and construction can also take a toll. If you are concerned about your trees this summer, our tree care specialists can help. TreeNewal offers a variety of services such as tree pruning, tree watering, and mulching. We also offer emergency tree services in the event of a storm – year-round! To learn more about our summer tree care services, contact us today.

If you have a heat-stressed tree, it is important to take care of it properly in order to prevent any long-term damage. By following these tips, you can help your tree to recover from the heat and stay healthy. If you have any further questions, please consult with a tree care specialist. TreeNewal is always here to help!

Looking for more tips on summer tree care? Check out these blog posts:

If you need advice or assistance with keeping your trees cool and comfortable this summer, get in touch with the ISA Certified Arborists at TreeNewal and enjoy tailored tree care advice.

To learn more about How to Care for Heat-Stressed Trees in Southlake, call our Argyle and Southlake-based teams

at (817) 592-6846 or send us a message.

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Learn more about TreeNewal’s ISA Certified Arborists!

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