The Complete Guide to Preparing Your Trees for a Texas Summer

The climate in the Lone Star State is brutal on the landscape. From scorching temperatures to frequent droughts, these conditions can wreak havoc on homeowners’ plants if they’re not ready. Use our practical guide to prepare Texas trees for summer.

Pour on the Water

Image via Pexels by Engin Akyurt

Older trees are well-adapted to the dry Texas climate. However, young or newly planted trees without established root systems may not thrive under these harsh conditions without adequate water. Summer droughts can stress saplings, stunting their growth. It’s essential to provide a deep watering every two or three days, especially when temps exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

The amount of water needed per tree varies depending on the soil, location (think shade or full sun), and type of tree. Some species require more water than others. Contact a Fort Worth tree company for advice on developing the best schedule so there’s no risk of overwatering.

Put Down Mulch

The next step in preparing trees for a Texas summer is to put down some mulch. This material will help retain moisture so the roots have more time to absorb water that may otherwise evaporate. Make sure to lay down a 2-inch layer and cover every square inch of bare ground in a donut shape, avoiding the area around the trunk to prevent fungus and bacterial growth. Then, spread the mulch out to a radius that matches the tree’s canopy.

Besides water retention, mulch will suppress the growth of grass and weeds that compete with the tree for water during the hot months. Mulch can also add nutrients to the soil, as it’s comprised of materials such as wood chips and grass clippings that decompose over time. It’s a great way to ensure the health of your trees, in addition to the benefits they get from periodic fertilization.

Consider Pruning

Live oak and other native Texas trees that weren’t pruned during the winter will benefit from a trim during the hottest time of the year, when disease-carrying insects are less active. Skip the fruit-bearing varieties that are nearly ready to harvest, though, and focus on the ornamental and shade trees that generally slow their growth during the hot season.

Start by removing any dead limbs that are in the way of the mower and those that could damage property or power lines during a fall thunderstorm. Just don’t remove more than 10% of the live branches. Remember to use a pruning sealant on branches larger than 2 inches and only trim those that need it. It’s easy for an unskilled gardener to damage or even kill a tree, and one poor pruning job can set a sapling back for years.

For anyone who’s looking for a quality Fort Worth tree company, this is the right place to start. TreeNewal’s expert ISA-certified arborists will help prepare trees for a Texas summer so homeowners don’t have to. Whether you need disease control, improved nutrition, or trimming services, contact us today to improve your trees’ health so they can thrive through every season.