Summer in Northeast Arkansas brings beautiful, long days and the lush, vibrant canopy that makes our local landscapes so inviting. However, the intense heat and humidity we experience in Jonesboro can also place significant stress on our trees. Ensuring your trees survive and thrive through the summer months requires more than just hoping for rain; it requires proactive care and a sharp eye for potential issues.
Essential Summer Care Tips
The most critical aspect of summer tree health is hydration. During peak heat, trees can lose water through their leaves faster than their roots can absorb it, leading to leaf scorch, wilting, and premature leaf drop. When watering, aim for deep, infrequent soakings rather than light, daily sprinklings. This encourages roots to grow deeper, making the tree more resilient. Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree is another effective way to keep the soil cool and retain the moisture your trees desperately need.
One often-overlooked threat to tree health in summer is the use of “weed-and-feed” lawn chemicals. Many homeowners don’t realize that these herbicides are soil-mobile. When applied near the base of a tree, the roots can absorb these chemicals, leading to stress, yellowing leaves, and long-term decline. Always be cautious when applying treatments to your lawn near your trees, and consider spot-spraying weeds directly instead.
The “Full-Leaf” Advantage for Pruning
While many people think of winter as the primary time for tree maintenance, summer offers a unique advantage for identifying problems. Because the trees are in full leaf, any branch that is dead, dying, or diseased stands out in stark contrast to the healthy, green canopy. If a branch is not producing leaves or has leaves that are wilting while the rest of the tree is thriving, it acts as a clear signal.
Removing these dead branches during the summer is a smart practice. It allows you to eliminate potential hazards before they fall, and it improves air circulation through the canopy—a crucial step in reducing the humidity levels that foster fungal growth.
Spotting Common Tree Diseases in Northeast Arkansas
Our region’s specific climate creates the perfect conditions for several common tree diseases. Being able to spot the early warning signs can make all the difference:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease is common in our area and affects hardwood trees like sycamore, oak, dogwood, and maple. You might notice brown, irregular blotches on the leaves or even blackened leaf veins.
- Fire Blight: This bacterial disease particularly impacts fruit trees like pear, apple, and crabapple. Look for stems and branches that appear scorched, black, or shriveled, often resembling a “crown of fire.”
- Powdery Mildew: If you see a dusting of white, powdery substance on the leaves of your trees or nearby shrubs, you are likely looking at powdery mildew. While often cosmetic, it indicates high humidity and poor airflow.
If you suspect your trees are struggling with disease, don’t wait for the symptoms to worsen. Early intervention is the key to preserving the health and longevity of your landscape.
For professional assessment, expert advice, or help with tree maintenance and removal, reach out to Kevin Harkey at Jonesboro Tree Service. We are family-owned, locally operated, and dedicated to keeping our community’s trees in peak condition. Call or text Kevin today at 870-819-2299 for your free estimate. Let us help you keep your trees “a cut above the rest” all summer long.
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