Timely Tips to Keep Your Landscape Healthy and Vibrant All Summer Seasonal Care Not sure which zone you're in? Check the USDA Hardiness Zone Map here. — or use the quick reference below. Jump to Your Zone Zones 3 to 4: Upper Midwest & Northern States Zones 5 to 6: Midwest, Mid-Atlantic & Northeast Zones 7 to 8a/8b: Mid-South, Pacific Northwest & Transitional States Zones 9a/9b: Deep South, Southern California & Desert Southwest Zone 10: Southern Florida, Hawaii & Coastal Southwest A Note from Our Arborists: What We're Watching This Summer A little spring rain doesn't undo two or three years of drought. In many parts of the country, trees have been quietly drawing down their energy reserves through consecutive dry seasons in 2023, 2024, and 2025. The damage from that cumulative stress won't always be visible yet, but it may be coming. By mid-summer, when heat builds and soil moisture drops, you'll start seeing things like scorched leaves, thinning canopies, early leaf drop, and dieback that seems to appear from nowhere. What looks sudden has usually been building for months. The trees most likely suffering from drought are generally the ones that appear healthy but have been quietly depleting their reserves. Sprinkler systems are designed for turf grass, and the water they deliver rarely reaches the deeper root zones where trees need it. If you're relying on your irrigation system to protect your trees, it likely isn't doing so. Trees need slow, deep, infrequent watering, about an inch per week, or roughly 623 gallons per 1,000 square feet, delivered directly to the root zone. Zones 3–4: Upper Midwest & Northern States States typically in this range: Minnesota, Wisconsin (northern), Michigan (Upper Peninsula), North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming (higher elevations), Idaho (northern), Maine (northern), Vermont (northern), New Hampshire (northern), New York (Adirondacks) What our arborists are watching: The cumulative drought effect is hitting native oaks particularly hard across Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. Even in areas that emerged from drought, we're seeing significant canopy decline in oaks that were stressed over multiple seasons. The stress often compounds when the rain comes back. Trees that have been in repeated cycles of drought are also increasingly susceptible to secondary pathogens, including fungal issues that move in once the root system has been weakened. June Prune Flowering Shrubs Right After Bloom. Prune spring bloomers like lilac, forsythia, and weigela, immediately after flowering. Keep pruning minimal on any tree already showing stress; pruning wounds cost energy, a struggling tree may not have. Water Deeply, Not Shallowly. Lawn sprinklers aren't reaching your trees. Water slowly and deeply at the drip line every 10 to 14 days, in the early morning. Apply or Refresh Mulch. A 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch over the root zone conserves moisture, moderates soil temperature, and reduces competition from turf. Keep it away from the trunk. Deadhead Blooms and Inspect Plants. Remove spent flowers to redirect energy to roots. Walk your property and note early signs of stress, such as subtle yellowing, a thinner canopy, or curling leaves. July Monitor for Spider Mites. Hot, dry conditions are peak mite season in Zones 3 to 4. Check the undersides of the leaves for fine webbing and bronzing. Populations can double in under a week, so treat promptly. Water Deeply and Often. Focus supplemental water on new transplants, specimen trees, and anything already showing stress. Consider a Biostimulant Treatment. Seaweed-based products like ArborKelp® help trees build thicker cell walls, reducing moisture loss through leaf surfaces. It's not a substitute for water, but it helps trees use what's available more efficiently. Raise Mower Blades. Taller grass shades the soil, slows evaporation, and reduces competition for water. Watch Oaks Closely. Watch Oaks Closely. Two-Lined Chestnut Borer is active this season in the Upper Midwest, targeting oaks weakened by cumulative drought. If you have oaks that appeared healthy last year but are now showing dieback, have them evaluated promptly. August Keep Watering and Monitoring. Maintain your watering and mite-monitoring routine through August. Don't ease up just because temperatures begin to moderate slightly. Observe Dieback Note where branches are dying back. The full picture of drought-related dieback often isn't visible, and an arborist can provide a clearer picture of the overall condition. Plan Fall Planting. Fall is the ideal planting window in Zones 3 to 4. Use August to choose species, prioritize drought-tolerant, regionally adapted selections, and schedule installation for when temperatures cool. Avoid Lawn Seeding Until Fall. New seed won't establish well in summer heat and drought. Wait for cooler soil temperatures. Zones 5 to 6: Midwest, Mid-Atlantic & Northeast States typically in this range: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York (most of the state), Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Wisconsin (southern), Michigan (Lower Peninsula), Iowa, Missouri (northern), Kansas (eastern), Nebraska (eastern), Colorado (Front Range), Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware What our arborists are watching: Across the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast, trees have been quietly drawing down their energy reserves through intermittent drought in 2024 and 2025. Many areas that look green right now are carrying a hidden deficit, as we're down several inches of rainfall from where we need to be, and that gap has to be made up before trees can begin real recovery. We're also watching closely for Phytophthora-related decline in Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and parts of the Northeast: a pattern of wet springs followed by summer drought creates exactly the conditions this root pathogen thrives in. Trees that appear stressed with no obvious cause may be dealing with root damage that began seasons ago. June Prune Flowering Trees & Shrubs. Prune right after they finish blooming. Keep cuts on any tree showing stress to a minimum; every pruning wound requires energy to close, and drought-stressed trees have less to spare. Water Deeply in the Morning. Deliver water slowly at the root zone, not through lawn sprinklers. Aim for the equivalent of one inch per week. Apply or Refresh Mulch. A 2- to 3-inch organic mulch layer conserves moisture, moderates soil temperature, and reduces turf competition. Keep it pulled back from the trunk. Deadhead Blooms and Inspect Plants. Remove spent flowers and walk the property. Subtle yellowing, curling leaves, or a thinner canopy than last year are early warning signs worth noting. July Monitor for Insects. Hot, dry conditions accelerate mite populations. Check leaf undersides for fine webbing and bronzing. Treat promptly, as populations can double in under a week. Raise Mower Blades. Taller grass shades soil, slows evaporation, and reduces water competition in the root zone. Water Deeply Around Stressed Plants. Prioritize new transplants, specimen trees, and anything already showing stress. A slow, deep soak every 10 to 14 days is far more effective than frequent shallow watering. Consider a Biostimulant Treatment. Products like ArborKelp® support drought resilience by helping trees build thicker cell walls. reducing moisture loss through leaf surfaces. It's a complement to watering, not a replacement. Watch for Borers on Oaks and Ash. Two-Lined Chestnut Borer is active across the Midwest and Great Lakes, targeting oaks weakened by cumulative drought. Emerald Ash Borer remains a serious ongoing threat to ash throughout this zone. August Keep Watering and Monitoring. Don't ease up as temperatures begin to moderate. Soil moisture deficits persist even when the air feels cooler. Observe Dieback. Note where branches are dying back, and speak to your arborist about what you see. Plan Fall Planting. Fall is the ideal window for new trees and shrubs in Zones 5 to 6. Choose drought-tolerant, regionally adapted species and schedule installation for when temperatures cool. Zones 7 to 8 (including 8a & 8b): Mid-South, Southeast, Pacific Northwest & Transitional States States typically in this range: Zone 7: Virginia (coastal), North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas (northern), New Mexico (lower elevations), Arizona (central), Nevada (southern), Utah (south), Oregon (Willamette Valley), Washington (western lowlands), Georgia (northern), Alabama (northern), Mississippi (northern) Zones 8a/8b: Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, Louisiana (northern), Texas (central), Arkansas (southern), Washington (coast and Puget Sound), Oregon (coast), California (northern interior and coast), Nevada (Las Vegas area) What our arborists are watching: Zones 7 to 8 span dramatically different climates, and drought conditions vary accordingly. In the Mid-South and Southeast, compounding summer heat is the primary stressor, as trees that appear healthy after spring rains can deteriorate quickly once temperatures hold above 90°F for extended periods. In the Pacific Northwest (western Washington and Oregon), summers are typically dry, but recent seasons have been drier and hotter than historical norms, increasing stress on species that evolved in wetter climates. Across both regions, we're seeing trees that look fine in June struggling by August. June Prune Flowering Trees & Shrubs. Prune right after blooming. Avoid excessive cuts, as pruning wounds are costly for trees managing heat and moisture stress. Water the Root Zone Deeply in the Morning. Early morning watering reduces evaporation and helps moisture reach where trees actually need it. Lawn sprinkler systems do not substitute for dedicated tree watering. Deadhead Blooms. Remove faded flowers to redirect energy to roots and structure. Check for Early Stress Signs. Inspect plants for wilting, scorched leaf margins, or unusual leaf drop. Catching stress early is the difference between manageable and severe. Apply or Refresh Mulch. Heat in this zone breaks down mulch faster than in cooler zones. Keep a fresh 2- to 3-inch layer over root zones. July Monitor for Mites. Spider mite populations surge in hot, dry conditions. Check leaf undersides regularly and treat at the first sign. Adjust Pruning Gently. Avoid heavy pruning during peak summer heat. If structural pruning is needed, have your arborist keep cuts minimal and clean. Water Deeply Around Stressed Plants. Deep, infrequent watering remains the standard, especially for new plantings or trees that showed any stress earlier in the season. Consider a Biostimulant Treatment. Products like ArborKelp® help trees retain moisture more efficiently by supporting cell wall thickness, which can make a meaningful difference during prolonged heat. Hold Off on High-Nitrogen Fertilizers. Particularly important during drought and peak heat. Professional programs in this zone are designed for summer conditions; big-box fertilizers generally are not. August Keep Watering Consistently. Don't reduce supplemental watering just because summer feels like it's winding down, as soil moisture deficits can persist. Prepare Fall Planting Plans. Fall is the right time to plant in Zones 7 to 8. Use August to choose species and schedule. Prioritize drought-tolerant selections and think about placement. The right plant in the right place matters more than ever when water is limited. Observe Dieback. Note where you see branch dieback, and don’t prune without a professional consultation. The full picture may not be clear without an assessment. Zones 9a & 9b: Deep South, Southern California & Desert Southwest States typically in this range: California (Central Valley, Bay Area, inland Southern California), Arizona (lower elevations including Phoenix metro), Texas (southern), Florida (northern and central), Louisiana, Mississippi (Gulf Coast), Alabama (Gulf Coast), Georgia (southern tip), New Mexico (southern) What our arborists are watching: In Zones 9a and 9b, heat management is the defining challenge of summer. Sustained temperatures above 100°F — common across Southern California, Arizona, and interior Texas — push plants to close their stomata to conserve moisture. When stomata are closed, photosynthesis stops, and trees are burning reserves rather than building them. Prolonged heat without adequate moisture means trees are working hard just to survive, and their ability to fight off insects and pathogens is diminished. Water restrictions complicate the picture further — but targeted deep watering for trees, separate from turf irrigation, is worth prioritizing even under restrictions. June Water Early and Deeply. Watering in the early morning reduces evaporation and ensures moisture reaches deep root zones before heat peaks. Lawn sprinklers aren't doing this for your trees, they need separate, slower, deeper watering. Check for Heat Stress Early. Look for wilting during the heat of the day, scorched or curling leaf edges, or premature leaf drop. Note what you see and when, as it's useful context for an arborist. Deadhead and Shape Ornamentals. Remove spent blooms and do any necessary light shaping now, before peak summer heat makes pruning riskier for plant health. Refresh Mulch. High heat accelerates mulch breakdown in this zone. Replenish as needed to maintain a 2- to 3- inch layer over root zones. July Manage Mites and Insects Promptly. Spider mites and other insects thrive in hot, dry conditions. Check regularly and treat at the first sign, as populations establish quickly in this climate. Limit Pruning to What's Necessary. Avoid anything beyond light, necessary cuts during peak summer. Pruning wounds in scorching temperatures are slow to close and costly for heat-stressed plants. Reach out to an experienced arborist for pruning help. Keep Watering Deeply. Continue slow, deep watering at the root zone throughout July. New plantings and stressed trees need this most. Consider a Biostimulant Treatment. In this zone, especially, products that help plants retain moisture more efficiently can make a meaningful difference during extended heat. August Maintain Watering Through the Heat. Don't ease off. August remains a high-stress month, and soil moisture deficits built over weeks don't resolve quickly. Prepare for Fall Planting. Even in Zone 9, fall is a better planting window than summer for most trees and shrubs. Use August to plan, choose drought-tolerant, heat-adapted species, and schedule installation for when conditions cool. Adjust Lawn Care for Continued Dryness. If drought persists, keep mowing high, water deeply during the coolest part of the day, and hold off on any overseeding or lawn renovation until temperatures drop. Zone 10: Southern Florida, Hawaii & Coastal Southwest States typically in this range: Southern Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Keys), Hawaii, coastal Southern California (some microclimates) What our arborists are watching: Zone 10 properties operate in a near year-round growing cycle, which means there's no seasonal dormancy to help trees recover from stress. Pest pressure is continuous, and the summer wet season in South Florida brings its own challenges, including saturated soils, fungal activity, and exposure to storms. In Hawaii, conditions vary significantly by island and elevation. Properties in this zone benefit most from ongoing plant health care programs rather than seasonal checklists, as the stresses here don't follow the same calendar as the rest of the country. June Water Consistently in the Morning. Even in humid climates, established trees benefit from directed watering at the root zone during dry stretches. Don't rely on rain alone if you're in a drier coastal microclimate. Monitor for Insect Year-Round. Insect pressure in Zone 10 doesn't pause for summer. Inspect plants regularly for scale, mites, and fungal issues. Deadhead and Shape. Remove spent blooms and do light shaping to maintain form and redirect energy. July Replenish Mulch. Heat and humidity in Zone 10 break down organic mulch quickly. Refresh as needed to protect root zones. Watch for Storm Damage. Hurricane season peaks in August and September, but activity can begin in July. Now is a good time to have an arborist assess any structurally risky branches before storm season intensifies. Keep Insect Management Current. Continue monitoring and treating as needed, as spider mites and other insects remain active throughout the summer season. August Prepare for Storm Season. Schedule a pre-storm assessment with a SavATree ISA Certified Arborist® if you haven't already. Continue Regular Monitoring. Insect and disease pressure continues through August. Maintain your plant health care program. Plan Any Fall Planting. For most of Zone 10, fall remains a reasonable planting window, though the timing is less critical than in colder zones. Prioritize species adapted to your specific conditions. What to Avoid This Summer (All Zones) Regardless of your zone, there are a few things our arborists consistently recommend against during the summer months: Planting in peak summer heat. Fall is a better window for almost everyone in the continental US. Relying on lawn sprinklers for tree health. Trees need separate, slow, deep watering. Turf irrigation doesn't reach tree roots. High-nitrogen or high-salt-index fertilizers during drought or heat. They push growth that the plant can't support, and increase stress. Lawn seeding or sodding in summer. Wait until soil temperatures cool in early fall. A SavATree ISA Certified Arborist can evaluate your property and recommend a plan tailored to your trees, your zone, and this season's specific conditions, before symptoms get ahead of you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an expert arborist.