How to Keep Trees Healthy in Summer

Wondering how to keep trees healthy in summer months? You’re not alone – it’s a common question, especially during heatwaves or dry spells here in East Sussex. Here’s our comprehensive guide on ensuring your trees’ health as the weather warms up.

Keeping Trees Healthy In Summer

Summer brings long, sunny days and warmer temperatures, but those same conditions can cause stress for your trees. Whether you live in Eastbourne, Hailsham, Heathfield or surrounding areas, here’s our guide on how to keep trees healthy in summer, so you can protect your trees and keep them thriving, even in the hottest months of the year.

1. Watering Wisely

The number one most effective way to keep trees healthy in summer is by getting the watering just right. Too much or too little can cause long term issues.

Top watering tips:

Water deeply once or twice per week, focussing on the area beneath the canopy.
Early mornings or late evenings are best in order to minimise evaporation.
Use a soaker hose or slow trickle for consistent moisture.

Newly planted trees and shallow-rooted species are particularly vulnerable to drought. If in doubt, dig down just a few inches: if the soil is dry and crumbly, it’s time to water.

2. Mulch For Moisture Control

A layer of organic mulch helps keep the soil cool and moist, which is essential when you’re thinking about how to keep trees healthy in summer.

Use composted bark, wood chips, or well-rotted leaf mould and apply it in a donut shape at the base of the tree (avoid piling it against the trunk, however). This simple step helps regulate temperature, suppress weeds, and slow water evaporation.

We often recommend mulch for our customers across East Sussex, it’s one of the easiest ways to support tree health without constant intervention.

3. Check for Pests and Disease

Summer is peak time for certain pests and fungal infections, which can quickly damage an otherwise healthy tree.

Common signs to look out for include sticky residue on leaves, wilting or browning foliage and holes in leaves or bark. These symptoms could indicate aphids, scale insects, or fungal infections like powdery mildew.

Early detection is key, so keep an eye on your trees throughout the summer. If anything seems unusual or you’re unsure what the issue is, it’s worth asking a professional such as one of our team. We regularly deal with pest and disease issues for customers – quick action can often save your tree.

4. Summer Pruning

While major pruning is best done in winter or early spring, light summer pruning can be useful for removing dead wood or encouraging better airflow in dense trees.

Only prune during milder weather and avoid cutting too much during drought or extreme heat. It’s generally recommended not to remove more than a small portion of the canopy in summer, and all cuts should be clean and made with sterilised tools. If you’re in an area like Eastbourne or Lewes where Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) are common, check before doing any work. If in doubt, we’re happy to advise and carry out pruning safely.

5. Monitor Soil and Shade Levels

Soil health plays a big part in how to keep trees healthy in summer. If your soil is dry, compacted, or poor in nutrients, your trees will struggle even with regular watering.

You can gently loosen the soil around the base of the tree and add compost to help improve structure and nutrient availability. If you have a newly planted tree that’s exposed to full sun all day, providing temporary shade can help prevent leaf scorch and reduce transplant stress. Simple fabric barriers or nearby shrubs can provide enough shelter while the tree establishes itself.

Troy’s Tree And Hedge Services

For over seven years, we’ve been helping homeowners and landowners keep trees healthy in summer, working across East Sussex and the surrounding areas. Whether you need watering advice, help diagnosing a pest issue, or want a tree health check, our fully insured and NPTC-qualified team is here to help.

Contact Troy’s Trees today via our online form or call 07715 695330. We’re here to help your trees thrive, not just survive, in the summer heat.

If I’m not up a tree, I’m eager to chat!

Ready for healthier, happier trees? Let’s chat about how our expert team can help. Whether it’s care, maintenance, or anything else, we’re here to help.

find out more