Summer can be a stressful time for trees due to the heat and possible droughts. Make sure you are watching them diligently for signs of trouble.
Selection/Planting
Trees can be planted in summer as long as you are willing to water diligently. However, there is a greater chance that the transplanted tree will be damaged or die due to the heat. Try to plant in fall or spring instead if possible.
Watering
Summer is the hottest and driest of the seasons. You will need to watch your trees more carefully, especially in times of drought. Keep an eye out for wilting. You may want to set up a watering system to help keep your trees watered enough.
Fertilizing
You can fertilize if needed (test your soil if you notice stunted growth, discolored or dead leaves, or wilting) in early summer. You should take care with using nitrogen fertilizers in late summer - they will promote new growth which may be damaged in winter.
Pruning
Focus more on simply removing dead, diseased or damaged branches. Many trees are more prone to diseases if pruned in late spring or summer. Some possible problems:
- Oaks may get oak blight
- Apples,crabapples,mountain ash, hawthorns and shrub cotoneasters may get fireblight
- Honey Locust may get stem canker
- Beetles may attack your trees
There are some trees you want to prune in early summer:
Fruits and Nuts to Harvest
Fruits:
- Apples
- Apricots
- Bananas
- Cherries
- Citrus fruits
- Figs
- Guavas (Florida)
- Loquats (California)
- Mangoes (Florida)
- Nectarines
- Papayas
- Peaches
- Pears
- Plums
Nuts:
- Almonds
- Black walnuts
- Chestnuts
- Hazelnuts (filberts)
- Pistachios
