Summer Tree Care in CO: Trimming, Watering, & More
Key Takeaways:
- Summer tree care in Colorado focuses on managing heat stress, ensuring proper watering, and maintaining healthy growth.
- Trimming trees in the summer improves airflow, reduces weight on limbs, and shapes trees before monsoon season.
- Practices like deep tree watering and checking for soil compaction help trees survive extended dry periods
- Mulch maintenance plays a key role in retaining soil moisture and regulating root temperature.
Colorado’s summer weather brings intense sun, dry spells, and the occasional thunderstorm—making this season a critical time for summer tree care. Whether you have shade trees, fruit trees, or flowering ornamentals, taking a few proactive steps can ensure they remain healthy, hydrated, and storm-resistant through the hottest months.
The Importance of Summer Tree Trimming
One of the best things you can do for your trees in the summer is to schedule professional tree trimming. Removing dead or overgrown branches improves airflow through the canopy, reducing the risk of fungal disease and heat stress. It also helps shape the tree and prepare it for high winds or heavy rains that may roll in during monsoon season.
Trimming also promotes healthy new growth and can enhance the appearance and structure of your trees—especially summer blooming trees like lilacs or catalpas. Pruning after the bloom ensures you don’t accidentally remove next year’s flower buds.
Hydrate Wisely: Deep Tree Watering Matters
When temperatures climb, trees need more than a quick sprinkle to thrive. Deep tree watering is essential in Colorado’s dry climate. This technique delivers moisture directly to the root zone, encouraging deeper root development and reducing water loss through evaporation.
For optimal tree deep root watering, water slowly and deeply around the drip line (not the trunk), and make sure the water penetrates at least 12 inches into the soil. Depending on the tree’s size and age, this might mean watering once or twice a week.
Apple Tree Care in Summer
For homeowners with fruit trees, like apples, summer care is especially important. This involves thinning excess fruit to prevent limb breakage, watching for pests like codling moths, and ensuring consistent watering to avoid bitter pit and other disorders.
It’s also helpful to inspect leaves regularly for signs of heat stress or nutrient deficiency and to prune away any suckers or water sprouts that may divert energy from fruit production.
Preventing Soil Compaction
Over time, foot traffic, equipment, and even rainfall can lead to soil compaction, which limits oxygen and water flow to roots. Compacted soil makes it harder for trees to absorb moisture, increasing drought stress during summer.
To test your soil, use a soil compaction tester or a simple screwdriver: if it’s difficult to push in, the soil may be too compacted. Solutions include aeration, avoiding unnecessary foot traffic, and using mulch.
Mulch Maintenance for Moisture Control
Mulch maintenance plays a big role in summer tree care. A 2–4 inch layer of mulch around the base of your trees helps conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weed competition. Just be sure to keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to avoid rot.
Replenish mulch as needed, especially after heavy rains or windy days, and remove any compacted or matted layers that may block water from reaching the roots.
Healthy Trees Start with Smart Summer Maintenance
With proper summer care, your trees can stay healthy, hydrated, and strong even in the face of Colorado’s challenging summer climate. Whether you’re focusing on summer tree trimming, deep root watering, or managing soil compaction, small efforts now can lead to long-term rewards.
Need help with seasonal maintenance or assessing the health of your trees? Contact Affordable Tree & Shrub Experts for expert trimming, watering guidance, and soil care solutions tailored to Colorado landscapes. Let us help you keep your trees thriving all summer long!