As we are experiencing some lovely hot weather at the moment, we thought it would be great to let you know how to keep your trees hydrated all year round.
With all of the hot weather we are having, and we are not complaining, it really matters to take care of your trees and other greenery. The extreme heat and droughts we have been having can really play havoc with the overall health and growth of your trees. So, our professional team are on hand to offer some assistance to keep your trees nourished and healthy throughout the summer.
Cooler Mornings, Hotter Nights
As you will be aware, the only time period of brief coolness you will get will be most likely in the mornings. The nights are getting much hotter as the sun starts to set and with the colder mornings, there is less chance of evaporation so your trees can get as much moisture as possible.
Watering your trees in the early mornings gives them a much higher chance of soaking up all the nutrients and the majority of the water making its way to the roots rather than sitting on the surface. If you can’t make the mornings, choose another cool point of the day like early evenings but always make sure the leaves are dry before nightfall to avoid various fungi forming.
Don’t Over-Do the Water
It is absolutely vital that you don’t overdo the water supply when watering your trees. Although you might think a massive tree will need a massive amount of water, you could end up drowning your growths if you’re not careful.
Too much water can drown the roots of any tree but at the same time, not enough water can dehydrate the tree. Those trees that are over-watered are also more likely to attract certain bugs, insects and diseases which is something we are looking to avoid over the warmer months.
We stick to the general rule of green thumb that every 3 days or so you should lightly water your trees with around 4 gallons of water a time. However, individual trees may need more attention than others, such as larger trees or smaller fragile ones needing less. Make sure you always check the soil below the tree and try to not oversaturate the area or make it too soggy.
Top signs of overwatered trees include yellow leaves, water-soaked blisters and even sour smells.
New Trees vs. Old Trees
If you have recently just planted new trees and they are still rooting in your garden, the summer weather will ensure that you should water these at least 3 times a week. You will need to avoid the roots drying out in the heat and the soil will need to be kept moist to encourage growth and healthy maturation.
Your older trees will already be deep-rooted into the ground but they could still have new roots just below the surface. Make sure that you are careful watering the ground and be conscious of not drowning the surface for the roots underneath will not be able to cope.
Remember to Use Mulch
We love using mulch, especially in summer, due to its nutritional values and extra support for all sorts of trees. The mulch acts as a smart barrier for insects and diseases at the same time as insulating the soil to give your trees the moisture they need at all times.
The mulch will retain water, keep away weeds and prevent the compaction of soil around the root of the trees. One note we will make is to always avoid the mulch actually touching the base of the tree so that the roots are never blocked from getting the water they need.
Gardening Know How said that “One of the best benefits of any mulch is its ability to retain moisture in the soil”, which is was we definitely need in these higher temperatures.
Get in Touch
To get in touch for more support around caring for your trees in this hot weather, call us on 0161 456 0989.
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