Summer Drought

If you haven’t noticed, it’s hot outside. This heat is affecting more than just you and I; your trees and shrubs feel it too! Trees need water to survive, and with a lack of rain, they need our help to stay strong. Here are some things you need to know about this summer’s drought and what it means for your trees and shrubs.

Insects

With lots of wet weather last year, more insects have been showing up this year, and the prolonged heat cycle we’ve had (even into this fall season!) has allowed insects to have a longer lifespan. This longer lifespan allows many insects to have multiple generations per year. Multiple generations means that insects have more opportunity to feed on your trees and shrubs. Many insects are attracted to trees and shrubs that are already stressed. Insects that destroy the leaves of their host plant make it difficult for the tree to photosynthesize, or make food.

Stress

Did you know that heat is a big stressor for your trees and shrubs? With a lack of rain, trees are having to resort to their storage of water and nutrients to sustain themselves. Stressed trees are more susceptible to insect infestations; one example our Arborists have seen frequently has been Ambrosia Beetle, still active this late in the season. Ambrosia beetles are actually attracted to the stress signals the tree sends out. Once an Ambrosia beetle has entered the tree, it bores deep into the tree, laying down the Ambrosia fungus as it goes. This fungus actually clogs the main water and nutrient carrying system, called the vascular system, which causes the tree to die quickly.

What Can You Do?

One thing we recommend is our Fall Fertilization application. Providing nutrients back into the soil and root system will help your trees and shrubs stay healthy and sustain themselves better through these hot months until they shut down for winter. If you have questions about your trees and shrubs, give our office a call today to schedule an appointment to meet with your Neighborhood Arborist.

(833) 4MY-TREE

Summer Drought

Insects

Stress

What Can You Do?

Summer Drought

Insects

What Can You Do?

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