July is always a challenging month for tree care in Oklahoma due to the hot and often dry conditions. It's challenging for our tree service crews out there helping folks out as well. If you have trees on your propery, here are some essential tree care tips for homeowners in Oklahoma City and the region this month:
Deep Watering
Ensure trees receive deep watering once a week, especially during dry spells. This encourages deep root growth and helps the tree withstand drought conditions.
Young Trees
Water young trees (those planted within the last three years) more frequently, get out the hose and ensure they get around 10-15 gallons of water per week. Don't do it all as once, space the waterings out.
Mulch!
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition. Avoid piling mulch against the trunk, commonly referred to as "mulch volcanoes".
Monitor for Pests and Diseases
Check your trees regularly for signs of pests such as aphids, borers, and mites, as well as diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spot.
If you do notice any infestations or symptoms of disease, treat them promptly with appropriate insecticides or fungicides.
Pruning
Avoid Heavy Pruning as this can add more stress to the tree. Only remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Of course after any summer storms inspect your trees for broken branches and call us to remove them to prevent further damage.
Mid-Summer Fertilizing
Yes it is mid-summer, kids will be heading back to school in 5 weeks! If necessary, apply a slow-release fertilizer to provide essential nutrients. But, be cautious not to over-fertilize as this can harm your tree.
Protecting from Heat Stress
A couple of things in this regard:
- Hydration
Ensure trees are watered and well-hydrated to prevent heat stress, if you see leaf wilting and leaf scorch get the hose out.
- Shade Protection: For young trees, it's a bit difficult but consider providing some temporary shade for them during the hottest parts of the day to reduce heat stress.
Weeds
Keep the area around the tree base free from weeds, as they compete with the tree for water and nutrients. And use mulch as a natural barrier to suppress weed growth.
Health Soil = Happy Tree
- Aeration: Aerate the soil around the tree if it becomes compacted, to improve water and nutrient absorption.
- Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine if there are any deficiencies that need to be addressed.
With the summer heat stress be sure to keep an eye on the overall health of your trees, looking for changes in leaf color, early leaf drop, or unusual growth patterns, which can indicate underlying issues.
Don’t hesitate to contacts us, your trusted Oklahoma City Tree Service for a professional assessment and tailored care recommendations.
By following these tips, you can help ensure your trees remain healthy and resilient during the hot summer months here in Oklahoma. Regular monitoring and proactive care are the key to maintaining your tree's vitality and help them age well.
