Introduction
Summer brings out the best in your garden — lush greenery, longer days, and time spent outdoors. But while you’re enjoying the sunshine, your trees are working hard, and now is the ideal time to give them the attention they need. At Felixstowe Tree Surgeons, we help homeowners across Suffolk care for their trees in every season — and summer is one of the most important times to act.
Neglecting maintenance during this active growth period can lead to disease, storm damage, or even early decline. That’s why we’ve put together five essential tree care tasks to add to your summer routine — practical steps that make a real difference to the health and safety of your trees.
Key Takeaways
- Summer is a key time to spot problems early and carry out lighter maintenance.
- Proactive tree care now prevents major issues later in the year.
- Healthy trees enhance your garden, protect property, and boost biodiversity.
1. Inspect for Deadwood and Storm Damage
Even if your tree looks healthy from a distance, it may still have dead, cracked, or weakened branches hidden within its canopy. Summer is ideal for spotting these issues, as full leaf coverage makes gaps and stress areas more noticeable.
Look for:
- Branches with no leaves or bark shedding
- Signs of splitting or stress fractures
- Hanging limbs or branches caught in the crown
Removing deadwood improves safety and prevents debris falling during summer storms or high winds — which are increasingly common in East Anglia.
2. Prune with Purpose — but Keep It Light
While major pruning is best done in winter, light summer pruning can still be beneficial. Removing small crossing branches or those growing towards property helps maintain structure and shape without stressing the tree.
Why summer pruning works:
- Prevents overcrowded growth in the canopy
- Encourages airflow and sunlight penetration
- Reduces risk of fungal issues and disease
Focus on light shaping and remove any obvious problem growth — or call in the experts if you’re unsure where to cut.
3. Apply Mulch for Moisture and Protection
Hot weather can stress trees, particularly young or shallow-rooted varieties. A layer of organic mulch around the base helps conserve moisture, cool the soil, and suppress weeds — all without the need for chemical intervention.
Best practice for mulching:
- Use wood chips or bark — 5 to 10cm deep
- Keep mulch 5–10cm away from the trunk base
- Replenish mulch if it’s decomposed or thinned
Mulching is especially important for newly planted trees or those exposed to direct sun.
4. Check for Pests and Leaf Diseases
Summer warmth is perfect for tree growth — and for pests and pathogens. Regular inspection helps catch problems early, before they spread or cause lasting damage.
Warning signs include:
- Chewed or curling leaves
- Discoloured or patchy foliage
- Small holes in bark or sticky residue (from aphids or scale)
- Fungal growth or oozing sap
If caught early, many issues can be treated with minimal intervention. If left, they can become serious — or even fatal.
5. Water Young Trees Properly
Established trees generally need little help during dry spells, but younger trees (up to 3 years old) depend on you for proper hydration.
Effective watering tips:
- Water deeply once or twice per week, not every day
- Focus water around the root zone, not the trunk itself
- Use a slow soak to avoid surface runoff
Consistent watering during hot periods helps trees establish deeper roots and withstand drought better in future years.
Conclusion
Tree maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated — especially when you build it into your seasonal routine. Summer is the perfect time to check, tidy, and protect your trees so they remain healthy, safe, and visually stunning.
At Felixstowe Tree Surgeons, we offer professional tree care tailored to the needs of each species and setting. From pruning and inspections to long-term maintenance planning, we’re here to help your trees thrive in every season. Contact us today to arrange a site visit or summer service — and keep your garden growing strong.
Call us on: 01394 338 692
Click here to find out more about Felixstowe Tree Surgeons
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