Summer Tree Care Tips

As temperatures begin to mount during the summer months, proper tree care and maintenance becomes crucial for the long-term health and well-being of Oregon City’s tree canopy. Extra considerations need to be made for watering trees and ensuring young trees make it through the drought-prone season. Here are some tips for preparing for the coming heat:

1. Oregon’s summer season can get dry! Watering newly planted trees at least once a week during these months can help with the tree’s vitality. Approximately 15 to 20 gallons per week is a good rule of thumb for young trees.
2. Placing mulch around a tree can help preserve moisture during the dry season. When used, it’s recommended to place a layer of mulch around the tree that is a few inches thick and extends about three feet from the tree. Mulch should be placed about three inches from the trunk of the tree, keeping the trunk exposed.
3. Overwatering can also be an issue for young trees. The soil should feel dry or mostly dry a few inches below the surface between waterings.
4. Keeping some distance from trees when using lawn care tools such as mowers prevents injury to the trees’ roots and trunks.
5. Planting trees in the summer months is generally not recommended. Most trees are best planted from October 1 to April 30.

Oregon Department of Forestry has a helpful guide for homeowner tree care, which can be found at: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Documents/forestbenefits/HomeownersGuidetoTreeCare.pdf. 
The Arbor Day Foundation also has a collection of tree care videos available at: https://www.arborday.org/trees/video-library.cfm.