Summer is a season of rapid growth, but it can also be a time of stress for your trees. At Ivandale Farms, we believe that thoughtful care during the warmer months is key to building strong, healthy trees that thrive all year long. With proper summer tree care, you can protect your investment, support new growth, and ensure your landscape looks its best—whether your trees are newly planted or well-established.
Watering is one of the most critical aspects of summer tree care. While it may seem simple, there's a big difference between watering often and watering well. Deep, infrequent watering encourages roots to grow downward, making trees more drought-resistant. Focus on the area beneath the canopy and around the drip line to ensure moisture reaches the roots where it’s needed most. For younger trees, especially those planted within the past two years, consistent watering is vital to help them get established in the heat.
Mulching is another important step that often gets overlooked. A generous layer of natural mulch around the base of each tree helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and reduce weed competition. It also gives your landscape a clean, polished look. Just be sure to keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and pest problems.
Pest and disease issues often peak during summer, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your trees. Look for signs like discolored leaves, sticky residue, or wilting branches. These can be early warnings of problems like aphids, borers, or fungal infections. Early detection and prompt treatment can prevent small problems from becoming major issues.
While summer isn’t the time for heavy pruning, it’s perfectly fine to remove dead or damaged branches. Clearing out weak limbs now can prevent storm-related damage later and allows your tree to direct its energy toward healthy growth. As always, any major structural pruning should wait until the tree is dormant later in the year.
Ivandale Farms specializes in tree care and nursery stock that’s well-suited to Virginia’s climate. Whether you're caring for heritage trees or growing new ones from our nursery, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Our appointment-based service ensures you get the one-on-one attention you need, with guidance tailored to your property and goals.
Summer tree care is about more than keeping trees alive—it’s about helping them thrive. With the right approach, your trees can withstand the heat, bounce back from summer storms, and go into the cooler months stronger than ever.