When the summer sun turns up the heat, your trees can feel the burn, too.
They’re your garden’s unsung heroes, offering shade, fresh air, visual appeal, and an unmatched sense of calm. So, it’s only fair that you give them a little extra care during scorching spells to repay the favour.
With a few smart moves, you can keep your trees strong and cool, no matter how high the mercury climbs.
Water Deeply But Infrequently
Trees prefer a deep, thorough drink every now and then over a daily sprinkle. By soaking the soil deeply—ideally in the early morning or late evening—you’ll encourage the roots to grow downwards in search of moisture.
This, in turn, helps your plants develop stronger defences against the heat. For the best results, try using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to deliver water directly where it needs to go without wasting a single drop.
Remember, not all trees drink the same amount. Larger species, like oaks, have vast root systems and need a hearty supply to stay healthy.
As a general rule, established trees need about 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter during dry spells. Younger trees, on the other hand, may need watering two or three times a week during heatwaves until their roots become established.
To maintain the right balance between parched and drenched, stick your finger a few inches into the ground. If it comes out dry or crumbly, this indicates that the roots are thirsty. If it feels cool and damp, you can hold off a little longer.
Apply Mulch Around the Base
Mulch is your garden’s best friend during heatwaves. It covers the ground in a cosy blanket that locks in moisture, keeps the soil cool, and releases essential nutrients as it breaks down.
Mulching also blocks pesky weeds and reduces the need for frequent watering, saving you a lot of time and effort down the line.
Natural materials are always better. Simply spread a 5‒10 cm layer of wood chips or shredded bark around the base, but keep it a few centimetres away from the trunk to prevent rot.
After heavy rain or heat spikes, gently rake or refresh the mulch to stop it from compacting and maintain good airflow.
Prune to Improve Air Circulation
Pruning doesn’t just keep your greenery looking neat; it also helps maintain its health throughout the seasons.
Opening up the canopy allows air to flow freely and cool down the tree naturally. This, in turn, helps prevent overheating and keeps pests at bay.
There are two main styles to employ: structural and maintenance pruning. The former shapes young trees for strong growth by removing competing branches, while the latter keeps older trees tidy by cutting dead or crowded limbs.
Late winter or early spring is ideal for both approaches. During this time, your plants will be just starting to wake up from their long slumber, which will help them heal faster once the growing season picks up the pace.
Whatever you do, do not prune during periods of extreme heat or drought. You see, pruning removes foliage that the tree needs for photosynthesis and shade protection. Under the wrong conditions, this can actually worsen heat stress rather than relieve it.
So, if you must remove dead or damaged branches during summer, keep it minimal and make sure to use sharp, clean tools.
Watch Out for Signs of Heat Stress
Spotting the early symptoms of heat stress can save your trees from serious damage.
Look out for wilting leaves, scorched edges, premature leaf drop, or branches that suddenly look dry or brittle. If you spot these, it’s time to step up the watering or add extra mulch before the damage becomes irreversible.
Most trees can recover from heat stress with proper care. This usually involves increased watering, mulching, and allowing time for recovery over one or two growing seasons.
But if you still notice extensive dieback, structural failure, or long-term disease, complete tree removal might be the safest option to protect your garden’s health.
In that case, a skilled arborist can advise when it’s time to say goodbye and help you choose a new leafy companion that’s better suited to extreme climates.
Provide Shade with Temporary Covers
Trees shield us from the blazing sun, but sometimes they need a little protection themselves.
To protect young saplings and newly planted trees, drape lightweight shade cloths or breathable fabrics over them during the hottest parts of the day.
Mesh tarps and floating row covers are both excellent options. They’ll shield your greenery from the scorching sun while allowing air and moisture to pass through. You can even reuse old sheets or netting if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly approach.
Just make sure the covers are well supported so they don’t squash the branches, and remove them in the evenings to allow your trees to breathe. This simple trick prevents heat buildup without altering your garden permanently.
As for larger, established specimens that are too tall to shade effectively, you’ll need to rely on proper watering and mulching instead.
Choose Heat-Resistant Species
One of the smartest ways to beat the heat is to plant trees that actually thrive in it.
If you’re in the UK, consider heat-tolerant species, like field maple, holm oak, silver birch, or Mediterranean fan palm. These varieties cope well with dry conditions, bounce back after heatwaves, and provide generous, dappled shade without demanding too much attention.
If the summers tend to sizzle where you reside, or you’re dealing with water restrictions, these battle-tested species won’t let you down.
They’re also much less demanding than other types when it comes to regular maintenance. You won’t have to water or prune them as frequently, so you can finally relax and soak in your garden’s charm instead of constantly working on it.
Beyond their low-maintenance nature, they’re also a boon for local wildlife, offering shelter, nesting spots, and food to birds and insects alike. With a little care, they’ll turn your outdoor space into a thriving, sustainable sanctuary.
Not sure which trees will weather your climate best? Local nurseries and professional landscapers can offer tailored advice to help you select the right species that will flourish in your little corner of the world.
Conclusion
With these simple tips, your trees will stand strong and proud, even when the sun turns up the heat.
A little care and attention go a long way, whether it’s a deep drink of water, a refreshing mulch blanket, or a well-timed prune. This trifecta will have your garden flourishing all summer long, provided that you pick the right species.
Choose wisely and establish a solid routine, and you’ll enjoy a cosy, green haven that’s ready to weather whatever the season throws at it.