Lee’s Summit summers can be brutal — hot days, dry spells, and intense sun that stress even the healthiest trees. At Master’s Tree Care Experts, we often hear homeowners ask: “How do I keep my trees healthy in the summer heat?” Good news — with the right care, you can help your trees not only survive but thrive through the season. Here’s your go-to guide!
Table of Contents
Why Summer Heat Stresses Trees
Before we dive into care tips, it helps to know what’s going on beneath the bark.
Water loss — High temperatures cause trees to lose moisture faster through their leaves.
Drought stress — When rainfall is scarce, roots can’t absorb enough water, causing wilting or leaf scorch.
Soil compaction — Dry, hard soil limits root expansion and nutrient uptake.
Pest and disease pressure — Stressed trees are more vulnerable to insects and infections.
Top Tips to Keep Trees Healthy in the Heat
Water Deeply and Infrequently
- Give mature trees a slow soak once or twice a week, not daily light watering.
- Water at the dripline (where branches end), not just at the trunk.
- Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to avoid runoff.
Mulch Like a Pro
- Apply 2–4 inches of organic mulch (like wood chips) around the base.
- Keep mulch 3–6 inches away from the trunk to avoid rot.
- Mulch conserves moisture and keeps roots cool.
Avoid Heavy Pruning
- Major cuts during heat waves can stress trees.
- Focus on removing dead, broken, or diseased branches only.
Feed Carefully
- Don’t overfertilize — this pushes new growth that needs extra water.
- Consider a slow-release fertilizer if your soil lacks nutrients.
Inspect for Pests
- Heat-stressed trees attract insects like aphids, mites, or borers.
- Check leaves and bark regularly, and call for professional treatment if needed.
What Homeowners Ask Us
Q: Should I water during the hottest part of the day?
No — early morning or late evening is best to reduce evaporation.
Q: How can I tell if my tree is heat-stressed?
Look for wilting, scorched leaf edges, or premature leaf drop — these are classic signs.
Q: Do young trees need more care?
Yes! New trees need consistent watering their first 2–3 years until roots are established.
Need help developing a summer care plan? Our arborists are here to help!
Why Professional Tree Care Matters in Summer
Hiring Master’s Tree Care Experts gives your trees an edge:
- Soil testing and deep root treatments to boost drought resilience.
- Expert pruning and deadwood removal to reduce heat and storm stress.
- Pest and disease management tailored to Missouri’s summer challenges.
Check out our Tree Services to learn more.
When to Call for Help
Don’t wait if you notice:
- A tree suddenly leaning or cracking.
- Large limbs dying or breaking off.
- Extensive pest infestations or fungal growth.
We offer emergency services to protect your home and landscape: Emergency Tree Removal
Keep Your Trees Strong All Summer Long!
With over 20 years of local experience, Master’s Tree Care Experts knows how to care for Lee’s Summit trees through the toughest summer heat. Call us today at (913) 909-9768 or visit masterstreecareexperts.com to schedule your summer tree care service.
Let’s work together to keep your trees healthy, beautiful, and ready for many summers to come!