Naples, Florida-based tree service professionals share tips on helping trees through the heat of summer.
Give Special Attention to Your Trees In The Summer
Though trees are the longest lived things on the planet, even they need a little help from humans to thrive. Florida is known for its bright, exotic flora and warm weather, which would seem to make gardening easy.
Even in this green and growing state, people may need to protect their plants and trees against the heat of the summer sun. This article will discuss preparations that you can make now as well as what to do when the hottest time of year gets here.
Preparing for the Heat
Plants need care throughout the year and some of the ways to help plants thrive will be particularly helpful during the summer. Mulching, pruning, and checking for tree disease and pests are the three major ways to prepare a plant or tree to survive any kind of harsh weather changes.
- Mulch: Mulch is a layer of organic or inorganic matter that is placed on top of a tree’s roots in order to provide insulation for the soil. It helps regulate the temperature of the soil, protecting the roots from sudden and extreme temperature changes. Mulching also prevents water loss through evaporation allowing for better absorption. Organic mulch, such as wood chips breaks down and helps replace soil nutrients.
- Pruning: Tree pruning is a way of cutting out excess growth in order to help the tree conserve its nutrients and water resources. Cutting overgrown branches also prevents the tree’s limbs from damaging each other in the wind and thereby becoming more susceptible to disease and pest infestation.
- Inspecting for Disease and Pests: Ignoring signs that a tree is diseased or damaged by bugs is a good way to lose a tree. Occasionally inspect your tree for shriveled, spotty, or misshapen leaves and holes in the bark. If you see any of these signs, it might be time to check in with a certified arborist.
During the Hottest Times
When summer does come around, the best thing a homeowner can do for their plants is to do two things:
- Provide shade for young trees during the hottest hours when the sunlight is most direct.
- Water your plants and trees thoroughly and consistently.
Rain does count as watering, so don’t water if the ground is still pretty moist. This can actually drown the roots or promote mold and fungal infection in the soil. Shading plants and trees may seem self-defeating, but the truth is that younger trees and plants are fragile and can basically get the plant kingdom’s equivalent of a sunburn, so sometimes shade is necessary is a sunny environment like Florida.
Consult an Arborist
Whether you need soil testing, landscaping suggestions, or a consultation regarding tree trimming or tree removal, you should look to the experts for help. A certified arborist has been trained and is experienced with popular and native trees and can give advice on what to plant and how best to care for it.
About Any Town Tree
Any Town Tree serves Naples, FL and the surrounding communities on both residential and commercial properties. Call today for a competitive estimate or emergency tree services.