We all know that spring is an ideal time to plant trees, but is it too late to plant trees once summer hits? The answer is no. In fact, in some areas of the country, especially those cooler zones like 2,3,4, and 5, planting in the summer might be even better than in the spring. Planting in the summer will allow your trees more time to establish themselves before the cold weather sets in, which can help them survive harsh winter climates and seasons with frequent rainfall.
Here’s how you can make sure your summer plantings thrive.
Maintain Thorough Watering
The key to successful planting in the summer is good watering practices. If you keep your plants and trees well-watered, your plants, trees, and even perennials will flourish in the summer.
First, be sure to water deeply at least every other day for the first few weeks. Then you can reduce it to about two to three times a week depending on the heat and climate. The main thing to remember when planting in the summer is to not allow the soil to completely dry out, while avoiding too heavily saturated soil.
Although it may seem reasonable to water a little every day, don’t be tempted to water small amounts daily. Instead, water deeply and less often. This will allow the roots of the trees to grow deep and establish themselves. If you choose to use an automated watering or drip system, you may want to still do hand deep waterings independently to begin with until the trees and plants take root.
Use Quality Mulch
Another important step in summer planting is using a good mulch. Any mulch will do, but in warmer climates, black mulch may attract too much heat. The mulch will hold in the moisture and help keep the soil temperatures cool and moist. Just be sure to keep at least a few inches away from the trunk of the trees to avoid diseases and pests that may affect the tree.
If you have any questions about how to best care for your summer trees, get in touch with us at Quality Tree Service!
