How Can We Protect Trees During Heat Waves?

Longer, carefree days, visits from the ice cream man, trips to the beach, and just kicking back and relaxing; there’s nothing better than the summer, right? Though there are so many wonderful things that are associated with the summer season, there are some downsides, too; namely, heat waves and your trees.

While higher temperatures are normal during the summer months, when they soar to extreme levels, it can be quite alarming. Not only is intense heat uncomfortable, but it can also be downright dangerous; not just for humans, but for trees, too! When the weather forecast calls for a heatwave, you have the luxury of taking a dip in a pool, splashing in the surf, or retreating into an air-conditioned space. Trees don’t have that luxury.

Extreme heat stress can scorch the leaves and can zap all moisture from the plants, increasing their risk of dying. To keep your landscape looking great and preserve the life of your arboreal friends, here are some tips that you can use to protect your trees during a heatwave.

How Can We Protect Trees During Heat Waves?

Apply Mulch

Trees need to retain moisture to thrive. While they can withstand some degree of dryness, during extreme heat over a period of several days, the dryness can become excessive. This exposure to dry conditions over a prolonged period of time can do serious damage to trees.

To lock in moisture, lay down a layer of organic mulch/wood chips around the base of your trees. Mulch provides a layer of insulation that will prevent moisture from evaporating and will help to prevent the root system from drying out and burning. Mulch can also help to keep the soil temperature lower than the air temperature during a heatwave.

There are lots of different organic materials that you can apply to the base of your trees. Alternatives to organic mulch include:

• Pine needles
• Grass clippings
• Wood mulch

The lighter the mulch, the better, as it will reflect sunlight. On the other hand, dark-colored mulch will attract sunlight, therefore, attracting more heat to the tree root system.

Water Appropriately

When you’re watering your landscaping, like most people, you probably concentrate on your flowers, vegetables, or fruits. While yes, these types of flora do tend to dry out faster than trees, you definitely don’t want to forget to water your trees. Water your evergreen and leafy trees as needed; typically when the ground is completely dry, or once per week (depending on how long the heatwave lasts).

Make sure you’re watering at the right time of day, too. Dawn and dusk are ideal times. If you water in mid-day, during the height of the sun and heat, the water will just evaporate, which will render your efforts almost useless.

Apply Shade Cloth

If you have smaller trees, applying a cloth during a heat wave could be beneficial. Applying a cloth will create shade or partial and temporary sun protection. Most garden centers and nurseries carry shade cloths for plants in a wide variety of sizes, fabrics, and colors. You can also find shade cloths for trees from online retailers.

Additional Information: Maintaining Landscapes Through Heat and Drought

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