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| Welcome to our tree column, “Ask your local arborist.” Each month, arborist George Reno from the Davey Tree Expert Company in Menlo Park discusses a tree-related topic from general care and planting tips to how trees can impact your property. If you have a tree-related question or an idea for a topic to discuss, email lifestyle@embarcaderopublishing.com or post in the comments section at the end of this column. |
The Bay Area’s summer weather, followed by humid heat waves that lasted into mid-October, may have left Peninsula trees stressed. Even with the first rain and temperatures cooling, trees can take time to show signs of heat damage.
Between now and winter is an important time to check their condition, identify potential problems and help them recover before winter arrives. Here’s how to help your trees recover:
Look for lingering heat stress
Brown, crispy leaf edges, curling foliage, premature leaf drop and thinning canopies can all indicate that a tree struggled with the summer heat. You may also notice smaller branches dying back or unusual discoloration in evergreen needles.
These symptoms don’t automatically mean a tree is dying. Some trees shed leaves or sacrifice smaller branches to conserve water. However, significant or continuing dieback deserves attention, especially if it affects multiple parts of the canopy.
Pay attention to changes over time. If a tree looks noticeably worse than it did a few weeks ago, or several trees in the same area are declining, there may be an underlying issue worth investigating.
Don’t assume more water is always the answer
Water can help trees experiencing drought stress, but the right approach depends on the tree, soil and surrounding conditions. Check the soil moisture below the surface before watering. If it’s dry around the root zone, water slowly and deeply rather than repeatedly wetting only the top layer.
At the same time, avoid overwatering. As fall rains return, saturated soil can deprive roots of oxygen and contribute to additional stress. Adjust irrigation based on actual soil moisture, rainfall and local watering restrictions.
Trees surrounded by pavement or growing in compacted soil may need extra attention because their roots can have limited access to water. The goal is to provide enough moisture to support recovery without keeping the soil constantly wet.
Watch for pests and branch damage
Heat and drought can leave trees more vulnerable to certain pests and diseases. Look for unusual sap flow, small holes in the bark, sawdust-like material near the trunk or progressive branch dieback.
These signs don’t necessarily point to a specific pest, so avoid treating a tree before identifying the problem. If symptoms are spreading or the tree is declining quickly, a qualified arborist can help determine the cause and recommend next steps.
Homeowners should also inspect trees for large dead branches, cracks or other structural damage before winter weather arrives. Branches hanging over homes, driveways and walkways deserve particular attention.
Know when to call an expert
A few scorched leaves may be largely cosmetic, but extensive dieback, a rapidly thinning canopy or significant trunk damage warrants a closer look.
Avoid heavily pruning a stressed tree in hopes of encouraging new growth. Removing too much living foliage can add to the stress, and pruning won’t solve problems caused by damaged roots, inadequate water or pests. Dead, broken or hazardous branches may need prompt attention, but larger limbs should be assessed and handled by a professional.
An arborist can evaluate the tree’s condition and help determine whether it can recover with proper care or needs more extensive intervention.
Give your trees time to recover
Tree recovery takes time. Depending on the severity of the stress, a tree may need more than one growing season to regain its strength, and some damage may not become fully apparent until spring.
For now, focus on monitoring changes, managing irrigation carefully and addressing safety concerns. Avoid unnecessary fertilizer applications or aggressive pruning that could add stress.
The end of a heat wave doesn’t necessarily mean the end of its effects on your landscape, and October can still bring stretches of warm, dry weather before winter rains arrive. By monitoring trees for changes, managing irrigation carefully and addressing potential hazards early, homeowners can give their trees a better chance to recover from summer stress and prepare for the months ahead.
George Reno is a local arborist at The Davey Tree Expert Company in Menlo Park, which serves communities on the Peninsula, including Menlo Park, Atherton, Palo Alto and Redwood City. Reno can be reached at 866-923-5658.
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