Summer in Northeast Ohio brings long days, warm sunshine, and vibrant green landscapes. But for your trees, it can also bring tree stress. Heat waves, dry spells, and increased pest activity can create the perfect storm for stress—especially for trees that are already aging, newly planted, or recovering from past seasons.
Tree stress isn’t always obvious at first. By the time you see visible signs, your tree may already be in trouble. That’s why early detection and proper care are so important. At Petrarca Landcare, we’re committed to helping you understand what causes summer tree stress, how to spot it, and what steps you can take to protect your landscape.
Let’s dig into the causes, warning signs, and smart solutions for keeping your trees healthy during the toughest time of the year.
What Causes Summer Tree Stress?
Trees are surprisingly resilient, but even the hardiest ones can falter when summer conditions push them to the limit. Here are some of the most common factors that lead to stress:
1. High Heat and Direct Sunlight
Northeast Ohio summers can see multiple stretches of 90-degree days. When temperatures climb, water evaporates faster than usual—both from the soil and the leaves. Excessive sun exposure scorches foliage and increases the tree’s need for moisture at a time when that moisture is harder to come by.
2. Inconsistent or Shallow Watering
Trees need deep, consistent watering to support healthy root systems. Unfortunately, many homeowners either overwater or underwater. A quick sprinkle every few days won’t do much good. Deep watering encourages roots to grow downward, which helps trees survive dry periods. Without it, roots stay near the surface and are more likely to dry out.
3. Soil Compaction
When the soil around a tree becomes compacted—often due to foot traffic, lawn equipment, or construction—it loses its structure and air pockets. This restricts oxygen and water from reaching roots, leading to stunted growth and stress. Soil that once supported healthy trees can suddenly become a limiting factor.
4. Pest and Disease Pressure
Insects and fungal diseases thrive in warm, humid weather. Trees weakened by drought or heat are less able to resist these threats. In Northeast Ohio, common summer pests include borers, aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. Fungal problems like anthracnose, powdery mildew, and leaf spot also ramp up in the heat.
5. Construction or Landscaping Damage
Adding a patio, building a shed, or even planting new shrubs can impact tree health. Digging too close to a tree can damage roots. Removing soil or changing drainage patterns can affect water availability. Many trees experience a delayed reaction—stress symptoms show up weeks or months after the damage occurs.
Signs Your Tree Is Stressed
Tree stress can show up in several ways, some subtle and others obvious. Keep an eye out for these warning signs:
Wilting or Curling Leaves
If your tree’s leaves appear limp, curled, or shriveled—especially during the hottest part of the day—it may not be getting enough water. This can happen even if you think you’ve been watering regularly.
Scorched or Browning Edges
When leaves turn brown around the edges or develop a “burnt” look, it’s often a sign of leaf scorch. This happens when water loss exceeds the tree’s ability to replace it.
Early Leaf Drop
Trees may begin shedding leaves as a survival strategy to conserve water. If you’re seeing leaves on the ground in June or July, that’s a red flag.
Cracks in Bark or Leaking Sap
Visible cracks in the trunk or branches can indicate internal stress. Sticky sap oozing from these cracks might signal insect activity or fungal infections.
Thin Canopy or Bare Branches
A healthy summer tree should have a full canopy. If parts of your tree look sparse, bare, or show dieback, it may be struggling to support all its branches.
Unusual Growths or Insects
Look for fuzzy patches, black mold, holes in leaves, or small webs. These are often signs of pest infestations or fungal infections—and your tree may be too weak to fight them off.
How to Help Trees Recover
Catching tree stress early means there’s still time to turn things around. Here’s what you can do to give your trees the best shot at recovery:
1. Deep Watering Techniques
Focus on watering deeply and infrequently, allowing water to soak into the soil at least 8–12 inches down. Use a soaker hose or slow trickle from a garden hose, and water around the “drip line”—the outer edge of the tree canopy—not right at the base.
- Young trees (under 3 years old): 5–10 gallons of water per week.
- Mature trees: About 1 inch of water per week (adjust for rainfall).
Water early in the morning when it’s cooler and there’s less evaporation. Avoid evening watering, which can increase the risk of fungal diseases.
2. Apply Mulch Properly
Mulch helps hold moisture, insulate the soil, and protect roots from extreme temperatures. Use 2–4 inches of organic mulch like bark chips or compost—but never let it touch the tree trunk.
Mulch tips:
- Extend mulch to the drip line if possible
- Keep mulch a few inches from the base to prevent rot and pests
- Refresh it mid-summer if it becomes compacted or thin
3. Trim with Care
Prune only what’s necessary in summer—like dead or broken branches—to avoid overstressing the tree. Heavy pruning should wait until fall or winter unless there’s a safety concern.
Proper pruning improves airflow and reduces pest risk, but overdoing it in hot weather can cause more harm than good.
4. Watch for Pests and Diseases
Inspect trees weekly during the summer. Check for leaf damage, insects, webs, fungal spots, or trunk wounds. Early treatment is key.
Some issues can be treated with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oils. Others may require more advanced care. When in doubt, bring in a certified arborist.
5. Don’t Over-Fertilize
While fertilizer can support growth, applying it during stress periods can backfire. It may encourage new growth that the tree doesn’t have the resources to maintain.
If your tree is stressed, hold off on fertilizer unless a soil test confirms a nutrient deficiency. In most cases, water and mulch are more beneficial.
Extra Tips for Tree Health in Northeast Ohio
Know Your Tree Species
Some trees are more drought- or heat-tolerant than others. For example:
- Oaks and maples are hardy but can struggle in compacted soil
- Birch trees often need extra water and cool roots
- Evergreens can mask stress longer—watch for browning needles
Knowing what’s normal for your tree can help you spot problems faster.
Protect Tree Roots
Avoid placing heavy items, doing construction, or parking vehicles near the base of your tree. Roots can extend two to three times the canopy width.
Use Tree Guards or Wraps
If your tree has thin bark or has recently been planted, trunk wraps can help reduce sunscald and moisture loss.
When to Call a Certified Arborist
If your tree is showing multiple symptoms, or you’re not sure what’s causing the stress, it’s time to call in the experts.
Call Petrarca Landcare if:
- You see bare limbs or major branch dieback
- The tree leans or shows signs of cracking at the base
- You suspect pest or disease issues
- You’ve tried to help, but the tree isn’t improving
- You need advice on proper watering or pruning
Our ISA Certified Arborists have the training, tools, and experience to diagnose tree problems, treat disease or infestation, and safely prune or remove problem limbs.
Give Your Trees the Help They Deserve This Summer
Summer can be beautiful—but also brutal. Trees face a unique set of challenges from June through August, especially in Northeast Ohio. The good news? With early action, proper watering, smart mulching, and a little expert support, most trees can recover and thrive.
At Petrarca Landcare, we’ve spent over 13 years helping homeowners protect their landscapes and keep their trees strong through every season. Whether you’re dealing with drooping leaves, strange pests, or a tree that just “doesn’t look right,” we’re here to help.
Concerned about your trees?
Let’s make sure they’re healthy and ready for the rest of summer. Contact Petrarca Landcare today to schedule a tree health assessment with one of our certified arborists.
