Water is vital to vegetation and plays a crucial role in photosynthesis and plant growth. Lack of rainfall can have a significant effect on the health of your trees and cause symptoms such as wilted or scorched leaves, dry branches, thinning, discoloration, premature leaf loss, and small leaf growth. If you notice any of these signs of drought, here are several tree maintenance solutions to consider.

What Are the Top Tree Maintenance Tips for Dry Summers?

1. Don’t Water Too Much

It’s tempting to water trees excessively during periods of drought. However, you only need to use enough to stimulate the roots and encourage growth. The soil shouldn’t be oversaturated to the point that the roots become waterlogged. Your goal should be to moisten it just enough that they receive ample water without sacrificing oxygen. Give younger trees at least 1-inch of water every three days or so, and water mature trees at least once a week.

2. Water Them Properly

Once you’ve established a watering schedule, make sure that you apply moisture the right way. Slow, deep soaking allows the water to penetrate the soil and reach the roots more efficiently. You can accomplish this with a hose or by installing a drip irrigation system. For best results, water plants in the evening after the sun sets. You won’t risk water loss due to evaporation, and the roots will efficiently absorb the moisture they need.

3. Avoid Applying Fertilizer

Fertilizer can contribute to a tree’s health, but only when there’s enough moisture present. Otherwise, it simply robs the roots of the water that they need and puts the tree under unnecessary strain. And if the fertilizer stimulates new growth, the tree will have to work that much harder and require even more water to sustain itself.

4. Check Mulch Levels

Part of proper tree maintenance involves applying mulch to protect the soil and lock-in moisture where it belongs. But young trees, in particular, need a more sufficient water supply during dry periods, and the mulch can prevent the moisture from soaking the roots. You can avoid this by removing some of the mulch during this time so that you can apply water directly to the roots.

Are you concerned that drought has affected the health and vitality of your trees? Let the team at Bluegrass Tree Service, LLC  inspect them for you. Based in Florence, KY, and proudly serving clients throughout Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, OH, the company offers a variety of tree maintenance services, including pruning, storm cleanup, and stump removal. Visit them online to find out how they can help you, or call (859) 746-0708 to schedule an appointment.