If you’re a Lee’s Summit homeowner dreaming of adding shade, beauty, or privacy to your yard, you might wonder: Is summer a good time to plant trees? While spring and fall are the ideal planting seasons, summer planting can absolutely work — if you follow the right steps. At Master’s Tree Care Experts, we’re here to help you make the best planting decisions to ensure your trees thrive, even in the Missouri heat!
Table of Contents
Pros and Cons of Summer Tree Planting
Let’s break it down:
Pros
- Instant visual impact in your landscape
- Nurseries often offer sales in summer
- Get a jumpstart on root establishment before winter
Cons
- High heat increases water stress
- Young trees need constant care to survive
- Risk of transplant shock if not handled carefully
Choose container-grown trees for summer planting — they adjust better than bare-root or balled-and-burlapped trees.
Best Tree Types for Summer Planting
Not all trees handle summer planting equally well. Focus on:
- Drought-tolerant species like oak, juniper, or redbud
- Smaller ornamental trees (they establish roots faster)
- Container-grown trees from reputable nurseries
Avoid planting large balled-and-burlapped trees or bare-root trees in summer — they struggle more with transplant shock.
How to Set Your Summer-Planted Tree Up for Success
Water Deeply and Consistently
- Water immediately after planting.
- Provide 2–3 deep waterings per week (depending on rainfall).
- Check moisture by feeling the soil 2–3 inches deep — it should be damp, not soggy.
Mulch Properly
- Apply 2–4 inches of organic mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk.
- Mulch helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Provide Temporary Shade
- For delicate young trees, use a temporary shade cloth to reduce sun stress during heatwaves.
Avoid Fertilizing Right Away
- Focus on watering and root establishment — fertilizer can wait until next spring.
What Homeowners Ask Us
Q: Is summer planting bad for all trees?
No! With proper care, container-grown trees can do just fine. The key is diligent watering and monitoring.
Q: Should I wait until fall?
If you’re planting large trees or bare-root trees, yes — but if you have the right species and setup, summer planting is fine.
Q: How long should I baby a summer-planted tree?
For the first 1–2 years, water regularly and check for stress, especially during droughts or heatwaves.
Why Hire Master’s Tree Care Experts for Planting?
- Species selection advice tailored to Missouri’s climate
- Proper planting techniques that minimize transplant shock
- Follow-up care plans to ensure long-term success
With over 20 years of local experience, we know how to help trees thrive — even when planted in the heat of summer!
Signs Your New Tree Needs Extra Help
Watch for:
- Wilting or curling leaves
- Leaf scorch or browning edges
- Failure to put on new growth after several weeks
If you see these, call Master’s Tree Care Experts for a professional tree health assessment.
Don’t wait for fall — if you want to plant trees this summer, we’ll help you do it right. Call us today at (913) 909-9768 or visit masterstreecareexperts.com to schedule your summer tree planting service.
Let’s transform your yard into the beautiful, shady oasis you’ve been dreaming of!