Teg Blog & News

With temperatures on the rise, lawn and garden care is on the mind of property owners everywhere. This is the season that the grass is a little greener, flowers are blooming, and shrubs and trees offer a beautiful, shady backdrop for dreamy days of outdoor summer fun. In order to make that vision a reality, check out these tips for keeping your shrubs and trees healthy this summer.

Remove Diseased Areas

A spot of disease on one branch can quickly spread and take over the entire plant. Make sure you know what to look for by doing some careful research on the different trees and shrubs present in your yard – then keep an eye out for any signs of trouble. You’ll probably spend a significant amount of time mowing and watering in the summer anyway, so do a quick once-over of larger plants each time you’re working in the yard. Early detection and removal of disease can prevent bigger problems in the future that could cost you unnecessary time and money in the long run.

Trim the Dead Spots

Removing dead limbs and branches promotes healthy growth and overall resiliency. In the case of tree branches, this is especially important from a safety perspective – one strong summer storm could send that dead limb crashing into your roof, causing a costly problem that could compromise the structure of your home. And while the practical points of healthy growth and safety are important, it’s just not enjoyable to spend a relaxing summer evening surrounded by unkempt plants with dead spots…so start trimming!

Monitor Irrigation Levels

Generally speaking, trees and shrubs do not need to be watered regularly - they have strong root systems that seek out water deep in the soil. However, it’s important to be vigilant that they are receiving enough water during the hot summer months, especially if you live in a region that experiences drought conditions. If your plants are not drought-resistant, be sure to set up a regular irrigation schedule during particularly dry seasons. It’s important to not water trees and shrubs excessively during these times, but to ensure that irrigation is consistent and reaches deep enough into the soil to reach the roots – the summer sun is likely to cause shallow watering to dry up and evaporate before it ever reaches deep enough to nourish the tree.

Get Rid of Pests

As summer wears on, it seems that mosquitoes, flies, and other little critters multiply exponentially. Be sure that your trees and shrubs don’t fall victim to plant-damaging pest infestations during warmer months – know what pests are common to your area and how to spot them on your plants. Apply insecticides as necessary, always being careful to follow the instructions to a tee. Summer is a time of fun in the sun, spent outdoors with family and friends. Following these simple tips will ensure your outdoor time finds you basking in the shade of healthy, strong trees and shrubs. If you live in the Visalia area and prefer to spend your time enjoying the outdoors instead of working, schedule a free tree and shrub care consultation with the professionals at The Experienced Gardener.