Midwestern weather is notoriously unpredictable, with winters bringing ice storms, heavy snowfalls but also occasional days in the upper 50s and even 60s or 70s. Springtime can be warm, or it can include cold temps and snow.

But one aspect of Midwestern weather is nearly certain: extremely hot and humid stretches of weather during the summer. The Midwestern summer sun beats down for weeks at a time, bringing temperatures nearing or exceeding triple digits, often with long periods of little or no rain.

In the face of these challenging conditions, maintaining a healthy and thriving landscape becomes a difficult task for homeowners, and even landscaping professionals. Trees, shrubs, and landscaping plants are particularly vulnerable during hot weather, and require thoughtful care and attention to ensure they not only survive but thrive. And “just water everything more often” isn’t the only answer, though it certainly can help. Consider the tips below if you’d like to keep your trees, shrubs, flowering plants and landscaping thriving this summer.

• Water Wisely: Different plants have varying water requirements based on their species, size, and location. Larger trees and shrubs generally have deeper roots and can withstand longer periods between watering compared to smaller, shallow-rooted plants.
• Water Deeply: Rather than frequent shallow watering, which encourages shallow root growth, water deeply and infrequently. This encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil where moisture is more stable. Remember, roots will seek out water and moist soil. Deep watering encourages root systems to grow deeply into soil.
• Focus on Morning Watering: Watering early in the morning will minimize evaporation and ensure plants have access to moisture throughout the day. In contrast, watering in the heat of the day can lead to significant water loss through evaporation.
• Water Conservation: A drip irrigation system or soaker hose can deliver water directly to the root zone, limiting waste through runoff and evaporation.
• Mulching: Mulch helps with the appearance of your landscaping, but its functional benefits are even more important. By applying a layer of organic mulch around trees and shrubs, you’ll help the soil retain moisture, suppress weed growth, and moderate soil temperature. Mulch can also improve soil structure and add nutrients over time as it decomposes. Finally, periodically replenish mulch layers to maintain a consistent depth and effectiveness in retaining soil moisture, especially if heavy spring rain washed away some of your mulch.
• Consider Using Shade Cloth or Shade-Providing Structures: Provide temporary shade for young or sensitive plants using shade cloth or ornamental landscaping structures. Even shade for part of each day can help reduce stress from intense sunlight and heat.
• Pruning Helps: Remove dead or damaged branches to promote healthy growth and improve air circulation within the canopy. Pruning also helps to reduce stress on plants by minimizing the foliage that needs hydration.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early summer to provide essential nutrients for growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of root development.
• Soil Moisture Retention: One characteristic of good soil is its structure and ability to retain moisture. Adding organic matter such as compost can do much to improve the quality of soil and help it absorb and retain moisture.
• Pay Attention: Monitor your trees and plants for signs of stress including wilting, yellowing leaves, or leaf drop. Be sure to alter or increase watering schedules or methods based on plant response and weather conditions.
• Don’t Let Pests Add to the Stress: Monitor plants for signs of pest infestations, which can weaken plants already stressed by heat. Implement IPM strategies such as handpicking pests, using beneficial insects, or applying organic insecticides if necessary.

We’re Here to Help!

You can help trees, shrubs, and landscaping plants thrive during the hot summer months by following some or all the tips listed above. And it’s important to remember that consistent care, observation, and adjustment are key to maintaining the healthy and resilient outdoor environment around your home.

Our certified arborists are experts in tree care, but they also have extensive training and experience in keeping trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping elements healthy and thriving, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Contact us today and let our insured, experienced professionals take care of all your tree-related needs!