Tree Care in Summer: Preventing Heat Stress and Promoting Growth

Summer brings long days, vibrant growth, and the lush fullness of the landscape in its prime. But for your trees, it also brings some of the harshest conditions they’ll face all year. At Princeton Scapes, we recognize the importance of protecting your property’s trees from seasonal extremes. That’s why our approach to tree care in summer combines horticultural expertise with practical, proactive strategies designed to preserve tree health, prevent damage, and encourage robust growth.

Whether you’re managing an estate property, overseeing a homeowners’ association, or maintaining a commercial landscape, your trees are an investment that demands specialized attention. The summer months present a unique set of challenges—and opportunities—for tree care. Here’s how we ensure your trees remain healthy, resilient, and beautiful all season long.

Why Summer Tree Care Is Critical

Trees, like people, experience stress when exposed to intense heat, drought, and environmental change. Prolonged exposure to summer stressors can compromise a tree’s immune system, making it more vulnerable to pests, disease, and decline. Common signs of heat stress in trees include:

• Wilting or browning leaves
• Premature leaf drop
• Sunscald or bark cracking
• Slowed growth
• Branch dieback

Preventing heat stress in trees is about more than watering. It requires an integrated plan that supports tree health from the roots up, taking into account soil quality, hydration, pruning, and pest management.

Smart Watering: The Cornerstone of Tree Health

Watering during summer seems simple—but doing it right makes all the difference. Trees require more than just a quick splash; they need consistent, deep watering that reaches the entire root zone.

Here’s how we optimize hydration during peak heat:

• Deep, Infrequent Watering: Shallow watering encourages surface roots, which are more vulnerable to drying out. We focus on slow, deep soaking that reaches roots 12–18 inches below the surface.
• Early Morning Timing: Watering before the sun is at its peak reduces evaporation and gives roots time to absorb moisture.
• Mulch for Moisture Retention: A 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch (such as shredded bark or wood chips) helps insulate roots and retain soil moisture. We take care to keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot and pest attraction.
• Irrigation Systems: For large properties or trees in high-stress locations, our irrigation experts design systems that deliver just the right amount of water, reducing waste and maximizing effectiveness.

Trees in newly planted areas or those surrounded by turf may need additional hydration strategies to support their development.

Strategic Pruning and Structural Care

While winter is typically the best season for structural pruning, selective summer pruning can significantly improve tree health and safety. Our crews assess each tree’s condition and apply expert techniques to ensure stability and growth.

Key summer pruning benefits include:

• Removing Dead or Diseased Limbs: This prevents the spread of pathogens and reduces safety hazards during summer storms.
• Thinning Dense Canopies: Allowing more light and airflow reduces the risk of fungal diseases and can improve photosynthesis.
• Managing Competing Branches: Guiding tree structure early reduces the need for heavy pruning later and promotes a balanced, aesthetically pleasing form.

Our pruning is always species- and age-specific, using clean, precise cuts that minimize stress to the tree.

Soil Health and Nutrient Support

Healthy soil is the foundation of healthy trees. During summer, trees expend more energy maintaining hydration and coping with environmental stress, which can deplete soil nutrients.

At Princeton Scapes, we take a science-based approach to soil care:

• Soil Testing: Our horticultural experts analyze pH levels, nutrient content, and soil texture to customize fertility plans.
• Slow-Release Fertilization: These products deliver balanced nutrition over time, avoiding nutrient spikes that can harm roots or overstimulate growth.
• Organic Amendments: We incorporate compost and other organic matter to improve soil structure and water retention.
• Root Zone Protection: Heavy foot traffic and equipment can compact soil, limiting root access to air and water. We carefully manage maintenance practices around tree bases to preserve long-term health.

These steps help trees develop deeper, stronger root systems that are better equipped to withstand summer challenges.

Vigilant Pest and Disease Monitoring

Heat-stressed trees are more likely to attract harmful pests and pathogens. Our summer maintenance includes careful inspection and early intervention to prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

We monitor for:

• Borer Activity: Insects like emerald ash borers and bark beetles often target weakened trees.
• Fungal Infections: High humidity can lead to leaf spot diseases, mildew, and cankers.
• Aphids, Scales, and Mites: These sap-feeding pests can stunt growth and introduce diseases.

Our integrated pest management approach focuses on early detection and minimal environmental disruption. We use eco-friendly treatments whenever possible, ensuring safety for your property’s ecosystem and guests.

Proactive Tree Assessments

Beyond seasonal maintenance, summer is an ideal time to evaluate the overall health and safety of your trees. Our certified arborists conduct in-depth assessments to:

• Identify structural weaknesses or storm damage risks
• Evaluate growth trends and canopy balance
• Recommend long-term care strategies based on species, age, and placement

For properties with mature or historic trees, this level of attention is critical to longevity and safety.

Custom Summer Tree Care Programs

Every property has different needs. That’s why Princeton Scapes offers fully customizable summer tree care plans. We take into account tree species, landscape goals, irrigation resources, and microclimate conditions to design programs that deliver real results.

From estate tree preservation to large-scale commercial tree maintenance, we bring the same attention to detail, expertise, and client focus that has made us a trusted partner in landscape care across the region.

Partner with the Experts

At Princeton Scapes, our commitment to keeping trees healthy in summer is part of our broader mission: providing peace of mind while creating and caring for your landscape. Our certified horticulturists, experienced arborists, and dedicated crews work together to ensure your trees—and your property—look their best in every season.

Let’s protect your trees from summer stress and set them up for long-term strength and beauty.

Contact Princeton Scapes today to schedule a summer tree assessment or learn more about our full-service maintenance programs.