The Midwest is set for another long, hot and dry summer. The lack of a consistent rainfall or routine watering can take a toll on the overall health of your trees. Mature trees have an extensive root system, so they are able to withstand the heat and lack of water more so than younger trees. However, lack of water can cause long term effects such as branch dieback and extended stress. To add to the problem, insects are attracted to stressed trees as they are weak and less able to ward off an infestation.

To help your trees survive the heat, Arborists recommend 5 gallons of water per inch of diameter a week for mature trees and the same amount twice a week for young or newly planted trees. For best results, water with a deep root feeder or sprinkler out to the tree drip line. Irrigation systems may help, but they are not designed to saturate the ground around trees and plantings and while exceptional for watering your lawn, do not provide sufficient water coverage for trees and shrubs.

If your trees need more watering than you can provide, Arbor Masters offers our ArborCare Watering Program. This is not just any normal watering program, but water that is enhanced with a mixture of kelp, seaweed and yucca extracts which help to revitalize and strengthen trees and plants. This also allows them to better deal with drought stress concerns.

Mulch is another way to help trees and plantings survive the summer heat. For young, transplanted trees, add a layer of mulch around the base of the tree in a 3-4ft. diameter to help retain moisture. Be careful not to pile mulch high around the base of the tree trunk as it can attract insects (mulch placed around the tree base should not resemble a volcano!).