Trees play an important part in your garden and the ecosystem which makes it important for us to protect them and take care of them. During the summer, it’s common for trees to undergo heat stress which can cause them to be unable to regulate their water balance which can damage their health. Here’s what you can do to prevent heat stress in trees:
- Apply Mulch: Applying mulch around the bases of your trees can help to regulate soil temperature and prevent moisture from building up. Spread about a 2-4in layer of mulch around the base of the tree and try not to put it too close to the trunk to prevent it from rotting.
- Prune Strategically: Pruning your trees can help to improve airflow and reduce energy demands on the tree. Focus on removing any dead or diseased branches and don’t remove many branches at once as many of a tree’s branches help to provide shade for the tree.
- Plant Heat-Tolerant Tree Species: If you’re planning on adding new trees to your landscape, think about including some heat-tolerant trees. Trees such as oak and elm tend to be more resistant to intense heat.