Relaxing in your backyard on a warm summer day is something we all enjoy. From the green grass to shady trees, there’s plenty of things that make our homes more beautiful and comfortable. Not caring for your trees, however, can result in a less-enjoyable season. As the days of summer begin to heat up, there are a few things that need to be done to ensure the health and safety of your landscape. That’s why Mountain West Arbor Care would like to provide you with the following Idaho Falls tree care tips for summer.
Idaho Falls Tree Care Tips
Caring for your trees during the hot summer months results in a healthy, beautiful landscape. Whether it’s applying mulch, watering, fertilizing, pruning, or preventing storm damage, summer is the perfect time to follow these Idaho Falls tree care tips.
Mulch
Mulch is important, no matter the time of year. However, summer is the perfect time to get it done. Mulch not only adds to the beauty of your landscape, but it also prevents weeds, conserves water, and keeps the soil around your trees cool. Typically, mulch should be applied 3-4 inches deep around a tree. However, you should never apply mulch directly against the trunk of a tree due to insect and disease problems.
Water
Summers in Idaho can deliver triple-digit temperatures. During these extremely dry conditions, trees require adequate water like any living creature. For younger trees, we recommend deep-watering by running a garden hose over the root zone for approximately 30 seconds. The idea is to reach the full depth of the roots and maintain damp but not soggy soil. Older, more mature trees should be watered at least once a week or every other week during the hot summer months (depending on how well the soil retains moisture). A good rule of thumb is to provide an older tree with around 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter.
Fertilize
After the cold winter months, trees need necessary vitamins and nutrients. During the summer, it’s important to apply a slow-release fertilizer to help boost the health of your trees and encourage optimal growth.
Prune
While it’s best to prune your trees during the dormant season, summer tree trimming may be necessary. Dead, damaged, or disease branches should be removed immediately to maintain the health and safety of your trees. However, you should never try and prune trees on your own. Instead, it’s important to get the trees on your property pruned by a certified arborist in order to avoid any hazardous and potentially fatal situations.
Storm Damage Prevention
High winds and strong thunderstorms primarily happen during the summer season. That’s why it’s important to protect your property from falling tree limbs. The certified arborist at Mountain West Arbor Care will evaluate the safety of your trees and provide you with preventative services to prepare them for the summer season in order to maintain the safety and curb appeal of your home.
Pest & Disease Inspection
Many tree pests and diseases are more prevalent during the summer months. Examining your trees for any signs of disease or infection will prevent any potential issues before they get out of hand. The certified arborist at Mountain West Arbor Care will be able to determine whether you have a pest or disease issue and provide you with professional services to mediate the problem.
Mountain West Arbor Care
Planning and executing the above-mentioned services can be done by partnering with the certified arborist at Mountain West Arbor Care. Not only will we examine the current health and safety of your trees, but we will also recommend and implement the necessary steps to keep your trees strong and attractive for the summer season. Contact us today by filling out our online form or give us a call at 1.800.767.8733 for a no-cost, no-obligation quote.