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Did you know that trees need protection from the sun just like us? Here are foolproof tree care tips for this summer in Delaware.
In summer we seek shade, and there is no better place to find it than under the cool canopy of a tree. While trees work hard to keep us cool, they also need protection from the sun.
Drought and unusually high temperatures are causing the trees to dry out. Drought weakens trees and can eventually kill them. To survive, trees need attention both during and after periods of drought.
Make sure mature trees have enough water to get through the dry summer months. Davey Tree arborist Jason Gaskill says trees generally have enough water when the top 12 inches of soil is moist.
Tree care tips: 7 ways to make sure your trees get adequate water
- Stick a long screwdriver into the dirt under the tree. If it’s difficult to squeeze in, water.
- Tree roots are deeper than lawn roots, so water about three times as long as you water the lawn.
- The best time to water is in the morning to prevent evaporation.
- Avoid spraying the trunk of the tree, as increased moisture can cause root rot. Instead, moisten the soil up to the edge of the tree canopy.
- Place a coffee or soup can in the drip zone, the area just below the foliage of the trees. Run the sprinkler slowly until 1 inch of water has collected in the can.
- Break up soil compaction with vertical mulching. Holes are drilled and filled with a mixture of compost, sand and clay that allows rain to soak into the soil.
- PP30 or PolyPhosphite 30 injections into the soil maximize the tree’s drought tolerance.
Telltale signs of dehydration include curling, wilting, or small leaves that may turn brown at the tips or edges.
Gaskill says tree health is also improved by applying 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the tree. The mulch should be pulled back six inches from the trunk of the tree in a saucer fashion. “Please do NOT incorporate mulch into a volcano. This can damage and even kill trees over time as it promotes girdling and reduces airflow,” explains Gaskill.
In addition to proper tree watering, Gaskill recommends these four top large-canopy trees for Delaware landscapes. These trees are hardy, tolerant of urban and suburban conditions, easy to care for, and able to survive drought conditions.
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4 species of trees that stand up to the Delaware environment
- Disease-resistant cultivars of the American elm
- Black Tupelo
- swamp white oak
- Native maple
By following these guidelines, you will ensure that trees can weather the scorching summer heat and continue to be the most valuable asset in your landscape.
Related: 6 Delaware Gardening Shops to Spruce Up Your Garden
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