Summer is when we spend the most time enjoying our yards, but the warmer weather can also be tough on our trees. Heat, dry conditions, summer storms, pests, and disease can all take their toll, sometimes before the problem is obvious.
The good news is that summer tree care doesn’t need to become another full-time job. A simple tree care checklist can help you spot potential problems early and know when it’s time to bring in a professional.
Here are 4 key things that we at CBL Tree Service recommend keeping an eye on throughout the summer.
1. Inspect Your Trees and Shrubs
One of the easiest things you can do is simply take a good look at your trees and shrubs every few weeks. Pay attention to changes such as thinning foliage, yellowing leaves, dead branches, unusual spots, holes in the bark, sawdust around the trunk, or leaves that look like they’ve become someone’s lunch.
As part of your summer tree care checklist, bleeding sap, borer holes, sawdust, chewed leaves, and leaf dieback can all point to insect activity, while branch dieback and leaf spotting may indicate stress or disease. Catching these changes early gives you a better opportunity to address the underlying problem before it becomes more serious.
For more advice on common tree problems and seasonal care, you can also explore the many in-depth topics on our blog!
2. Check Soil Moisture Before Reaching for the Hose
Trees need water during hot, dry stretches, but more isn’t always better. Yellowing leaves, for example, can sometimes indicate heat stress or insufficient water, but overly saturated soil can cause problems too. We recommend checking moisture deeper in the soil before assuming a tree needs more water and suggest slow, deep watering when conditions are consistently dry.
The right amount will depend on the tree, its age, soil conditions, and recent rainfall. Your tree care checklist should therefore include checking the soil rather than simply watering on autopilot.
3. Keep an Eye Out for Dead or Damaged Branches
Summer storms can quickly turn a weak branch into a safety concern.
Look for deadwood, hanging branches, cracks, or limbs that appear unusually heavy or unstable. Removing dead or high-risk branches can help improve safety around your home, driveway, walkways, and outdoor spaces.
Dead, hanging, or high-risk branches may need attention during the summer, especially if they could fall onto your home, driveway, walkways, or other areas of your property. Removing problem branches early can help reduce safety risks and prevent further damage before summer storms put additional stress on the tree.
.. But that doesn’t mean every tree should get a major summer haircut! Certain species require special consideration around pruning times, so an experienced arborist is best for larger or questionable pruning jobs.
4. Look Up Before Summer Storms Roll In
Trees can look perfectly fine from the ground while still having weaknesses higher in the canopy. Before the next stretch of rough summer weather, look for large dead limbs, cracked branches, or sections hanging over your house, shed, vehicles, or other areas where people regularly spend time. Strong winds and heavy rain can put additional stress on already weakened limbs.
If something doesn’t look right, don’t wait for the next storm to test it.
Check the Trees, Then Check In with CBL
Regular checks throughout summer can help you stay ahead of problems, but you don’t have to diagnose every strange leaf or suspicious branch yourself.
At CBL Tree Service, our expert team provides professional tree services throughout Peterborough, the Kawarthas, and communities across Central Ontario, including tree pruning, deadwood removal, storm cleanup, stump removal, and tree removal. Each project begins with an on-site consultation with the owner and ISA Certified Arborist, Joe Corkery, to assess the property and determine a safe, practical course of action.
If something on your tree care checklist has you concerned, our CBL team can take a closer look and help determine what your tree actually needs.
Request a quote today!