How to Care for Your Trees in the Intense Summer Heat

Summer in our part of the world is a welcome reprieve from the frigid temperatures and random spring storms.

But…

…when the temps soar, your trees can start feeling the heat a little bit too much.

That lush green canopy you love? It’s under a lot of pressure from drought, sun scorch, and stressed-out soil during the summer. And while trees are tough, even the hardiest maple or spruce can start to struggle without a little help.

If your trees look a little “crispy” or tired in the hot summer, we’ve got your back (and your bark). Here’s how to keep your trees cool, hydrated, and thriving during those long, hot summer days.

Spotting Signs of Heat Stress

Catching the signs early gives you the best shot at helping your tree bounce back. Here’s what to look for:

• Leaf scorch shows up as browning or crisp edges on leaves, especially along the tips.
• Wilting or curling leaves signal that the tree is losing more moisture than it can replace.
• Premature yellowing or early leaf drop are red flags that your tree is stressed.
• Bark cracking or peeling, particularly on sun-exposed sides, can indicate sunscald.
• Sparse foliage or stunted growth often means the roots are struggling underground.
• Branches that snap easily may be a sign of dehydration. Healthy limbs should be flexible.
• Excessive sap oozing from wounds or cracks could signal stress or secondary pest issues.
• Increased insect activity (like ants, aphids, or beetles) is often a symptom, not the cause. 

Caring For Your Trees in the Summer Heat

1.  Watering Isn’t About More, It’s About Better

Think of tree watering like a long, satisfying drink, not a quick, big gulp. 

Deep watering encourages roots to grow where the soil stays cooler and more moist, giving your tree resilience during those dry spells. Shallow watering, on the other hand, teaches roots to hang near the surface, which is really bad news during heat waves.

Aim to water early in the morning, so the moisture has time to soak in before the sun cranks up. Focus your efforts at the drip line—that’s the outer edge of the tree’s canopy—where most of the fine, absorbing roots live. Skip the trunk base unless you’re watering a sapling.

Use tools like soaker hoses, drip irrigation systems, or slow-release watering bags to ensure water goes deep and slow. 

2.  Mulching Magic: Your Tree’s Summer Shield

If water is life for your tree, mulch is the shade umbrella. Mulching is one of the easiest ways to beat the summer heat—and it works like magic. It conserves soil moisture, regulates temperature, and chokes out weeds that compete for nutrients.

Apply a 2–4 inch layer of organic mulch (wood chips, shredded bark, or even composted leaves) around your tree’s root zone. But here’s the golden rule: no mulch volcanoes! Piling mulch against the trunk traps moisture and leads to rot. 

Instead, create a mulch donut—a wide ring that keeps the mulch a few inches away from the trunk. Refresh mulch mid-summer if it looks dry or thin, especially after heavy rain or wind. A good mulch layer can cut watering needs in half and make life a lot easier for your tree (and you).

3.  Beating the Summer Bugs

Heat doesn’t just bother us; it supercharges insect populations. Aphids, mites, leafhoppers, and borers are common summer nuisances in Western Canada, and they love a stressed-out tree.

Watch for:

• Sticky “honeydew” on leaves (aphids)
• Tiny webbing on branches (spider mites)
• Chewed or curled foliage
• Borer holes or sap oozing from the trunk

DIY sprays often backfire, either harming beneficial insects or stressing the tree further. Instead, call in the pros at Green Drop. Our team uses targeted, eco-conscious treatments that address the problem without creating five new ones. 

4.  Soil Maintenance: Summer Edition

Your tree’s roots live and breathe in the soil, so keeping it healthy during the summer is like prepping your tree’s pantry for a heatwave. Hot, dry conditions can lead to compacted, crusty soil that chokes water, air, and nutrients.

Avoid heavy foot traffic and mowing too close to the base of trees—it compacts the soil and stresses the roots. If your soil is already dense, aeration or vertical mulching can improve oxygen flow and water penetration.

Mulching (yes, again!) also helps preserve soil structure while feeding it slowly as it breaks down. Just make sure that mulch stays organic and fresh—old, matted mulch can actually repel water like a bad toupee.

5.  Fertilizing in Summer

Summer isn’t the ideal time for heavy fertilization, but that doesn’t mean your trees should starve. If your tree shows signs of nutrient stress—like pale leaves or stunted growth—a targeted fertilizer may help support its health without shocking the system.

Water well before and after applying fertilizer to prevent root burn, and always follow label instructions. If you’re dealing with compacted or depleted soil, our deep root fertilization services deliver nutrients right where your tree needs most—at the root level. 

6.  Watch Out for Heat-Stressed and Hazardous Trees

Summer doesn’t just dry out your trees; it can quietly compromise their structure. Brittle limbs, dry bark, and weakened joints make breakage far more likely, especially when a sudden windstorm rolls in (and you know Western Canada gets its share).

Keep an eye out for:

• Cracks in the trunk
• Leaning trees
• Soil shifting or roots lifting

Let’s Heatproof Your Trees Together

Your trees will need a hand when the summer heat turns up. Smart watering, strategic mulching, and timely inspections can make all the difference between a thriving tree and a stressed-out stick.

If you’re not sure where to start or just want to make sure you’re doing everything right, our ISA-Certified arborists are here to help. We handle everything from deep root feeding and pest control to full tree health assessments—so your trees don’t just survive, they flourish.

So book your free tree care assessment today and give your yard something to brag about. Green Drop proudly serves Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Saskatoon, Regina, and Winnipeg.