The Utah summertime weather can be brutal to your trees and shrubs, especially the ones that you’ve planted (or transplanted) during the last couple of years. Because the trees and shrubs within your landscaping design can be a significant investment, you need to be aware of how to care for them during the summer months.

Pruning

Pruning in the summer should be done only to remove dead or broken branches. It is not a good idea to use pruning to “cut back” branches that seem to be getting unruly or too long. Cutting back these limbs may remove branches and leaves that keep the tree cool and out of the intense, Utah summer sun and might even kill some of the limbs of the tree or possibly the tree itself.

It is also a good idea to check your trees after summer storms to make sure that no branches have been broken or significantly weakened and might need pruning as a result.

Watering

Watch your trees and shrubs carefully for signs of drought distress, some these might be wilting leaves or branches, yellowing leaves or leaves falling from the tree. Be very careful if you planted a tree during the summer months, you must be diligent and water it consistently. Newly planted trees–even those planted during the recommended seasons of spring and fall–work hard to grow roots during the first couple of years and are more susceptible to drought or excess heat.

However, you need to avoid overwatering your trees and shrubs. This can be as damaging to them as prolonged drought conditions. How do you know how much water is enough? Spray the area around the tree or shrub until the soil is damp, but not soggy. Ideally the soil around your plant should dry after a short period of time with no standing water or mud remaining around it.

Dry soil conditions can significantly reduce the life span of your valuable landscape trees. Because they are difficult and expensive to replace, your trees need attention during and after periods of drought.

Mulching

Another way to help control the moisture around your trees and shrubs is to use mulch. Not only does mulch retain moisture, but it also protects the tree roots from drastic changes in temperature which are common to Utah. Mulch has the added benefit of preventing weed growth and the compacting of soil around the base of the tree or shrub. Use only natural mulch spreading it around the base of the tree–but not touching the trunk–about 3 inches deep.

Managing Pests

Well-watered trees and shrubs are the best defense against pests. Your landscaping becomes more susceptible to insects and disease if they are in distress, so the best way to manage pests is not to attract them in the first place. Keep a close eye on them to identify problems early on so you can stop pests before they get too entrenched.

Need Help with Tree and Shrub Care in the Salt Lake City Area?

Look no further than Aeroscape landscaping and property maintenance. We have tree and shrub care experts–including a certified arborist–on staff to help you with all of your landscaping and property maintenance needs. Give us a call at (801) 569-2383 or click on our NEW Contact an Expert green arrow on any page of our website to reach out to a tree and shrub care expert today.