Preparing Your Trees for Kansas City's Summer Heat

Preparing yourself and your home for the summer heat is fairly common this time of year. We typically buy sunscreen, have our air conditioning units tuned up, or maybe even have our duct work cleaned out.

Yet, most of us won’t stop to think about what we need to prepare our trees for the summer heat. 

You heard me. You need to prepare your trees for the summer heat and extreme sun exposure they will endure. I think we can all admit that even during mild summers, the Midwest experiences its fair share of heat. We easily see 90 to 100-degree weather throughout the summer, especially in August. This can be grueling for anyone. Why would it be any different for your plants and trees? You didn’t think of it like that, did you?

With extreme heat and sun exposure, trees can really be put to the test of their strength. We all need help from time to time and your trees are no different. Giving them additional watering in dry seasons can be very helpful and relieve them from the seasonal stress they endure. Watering trees, especially more delicate species, can help to ensure they do not succumb to scorch.

Scorch is when trees cannot supply water to the limbs and leaves fast enough due to heat and evaporating water. It causes yellow and browning leaves and can be quite sad to see in your gorgeous trees. Good news though. It is fixable and preventable.

If you have blooming trees like magnolias, dogwoods or apple trees be sure to be proactive with your watering. Other more common species may do fine but if you start to see these symptoms, act fast and get on a watering regimen to ensure healthy and happy trees.

 This season don’t just prep your skincare and air conditioner. Prep the best air conditioner you have, by watering and maintaining your trees you provide a natural source of shade and relief from the intense summer sun.