How to Keep Your Trees Healthy and Thriving Through a Hot Perth Summer
Learn how to keep your trees healthy and thriving through Perth’s scorching summers with proactive care tips to protect them from extreme heat and dryness.
Perth summers are harsh, with temperatures climbing high, leaving everything dry. Gardens and landscapes are no exceptions. Trees tend to be more resilient, but mature trees still require special attention in hotter months to remain healthy and lush. Proactive measures will ensure that they survive and thrive even in a temperature as hot as that of summer in Perth.
Summer calls for frequent watering for trees; however, it is much more about quality than quantity. To get to the roots, which are often sunk deeper into the soil than those of shrubs or grass, deep watering is essential. To minimise evaporation so that the soil could gather moisture for longer, try to water in the early morning or late afternoon.
A drip irrigation system or soaker hose can properly maintain a steady trickle of water towards the roots without wasting it. Hand watering means trying to stand under the "drip line." That part of the tree refers to the area just below the outer edge of the canopy where the feeder roots are generally most active.
Mulch is a tree's best friend in summers. An organic mulch layer, such as wood chips or bark, insulates the soil, holds moisture, and regulates temperature around roots. Spread this 5–10 cm layer at the base of the tree while keeping it a few centimetres away from the trunk to avoid rotting or pest infestation.
Mulching minimises the growth of the weeds also. Weeds have the potential to feed on the nutrients and moisture around which your tree will be starved.
Summer pruning keeps your trees looking trim. But it's about more than aesthetics: cutting off the dead or diseased and damaged branches would improve airflow, diminish pest infestations, and prevent unnecessary energy loss. Again, however, do not overprune because too much foliage removal exposes the tree to sunburn and stress.
Have a professional arborist or experienced lumberjack ensure your pruning is performed correctly and safely.
Sometimes, trees do withstand the summer stresses just so much better with a little extra shot of nourishment. The slow-release fertiliser fortified for trees delivers nutrition over time for important summer months. Fertilising should not overdo it because an overdose of nitrogen promotes weak, fast-growing tissues that are less heat- and drought-resistant.
Protect newly planted or young trees from the hot summer sun. Shade Cloths or temporary structures may be considered for protection against that harsh afternoon sun. This will be great health care for their young lives so that they will get better rooting and grow as very nice, tough trees.
Heat and dryness can bring about pest activity and disease outbreaks. Look for signs of any failure—a wilting leaf, discoloration, or strange bark damage. Early detection and treatment may be enough so that minor problems do not grow into serious threats.
With some thoughtful care and attention, your trees can thrive even in Perth's hottest summers. Whether it is deep watering, proper pruning, or pest monitoring, every bit adds up for a healthier landscape. Ensure your trees stay strong and vibrant this summer—contact us today for expert tree care services and personalised advice!
