We’ve talked about summer tree care before: that it’s important to water and prune, seed your lawn and provide it with nutrients. But when should all of these tasks take place? Summer landscaping can be overwhelming, if you try to tackle all of it at once. That’s why we’ve put together this calendar, so you can use it as a checklist for your summer maintenance work.
June
- Monitor and treat trees for pests and disease, such as Dutch Elm Disease or Emerald Ash Borer – which is prevalent in Minnesota and begins searching for hosts in May.
- Prune diseased or dead limbs, as well as branches that obstruct views or are positioned too close to buildings. To avoid additional stress and weakness, summer pruning is best done early on, before the sizzling temperatures begin.
- Support your trees with cable, if needed, to improve their chances of surviving harsh summer storms.
- Protect fruit trees from birds and other intruders by covering with netting.
July
- Fertilize your landscape to keep the soil levels normal. Summer conditions can cause deficiencies in your tree’s nutrients.
- Water your landscape, especially when temperatures begin to really rise. Choose a time of day when it’s cooler, such as early morning or evening, so the sun doesn’t evaporate the water before your trees receive it. Also, water for long periods of time, once or twice a week and depending on the size of your tree, rather than for short periods of time every day.
- Monitor and treat for pests and disease. Heat and humidity, in conjunction with a weakened tree, can turn your tree into a breeding ground for these problems.
August
- Prep your lawn to make the most of late summer tasks, such as watering and fertilizing, and spreading seed on bare areas.
- Fertilize, as needed, especially toward the end of summer. This will restore the nutrients it has lost over the summer and position your lawn for fall.
- Water your landscape, especially during particularly hot and dry periods.
- Inspect, monitor and treat your property for diseases, pests or any conditions that could worsen in the fall and over the winter months.
Summer landscaping tasks are often a point of pride for Minnesotans, especially after enduring such harsh winters. But if you have any major (or minor) tree or shrub care needs that you find yourself needing a hand with, such as pruning or disease treatment and pest prevention, email Ostvig Tree Care at info@ostvigtree.com. You should be comfortable with who is handling your landscape, whether it’s by yourself or by our certified arborists. Contact us today.