Trees with dense canopies can beautify your lawn and cast shade to cool outdoor living spaces. However, during summer conditions, they may experience heat stress, which can diminish their appearance and health. Fortunately, prioritizing tree care can help you avoid these issues. Here's more about heat stress and how to prevent it.

What Is Heat Stress?

Heat stress is a condition that may occur when trees lose water as a result of elevated outdoor temperatures. This happens when energy from sunlight becomes reflected by surfaces surrounding trees, such as paved driveways, or radiates from nearby materials, such as metal siding. This can cause the temperature of the air around trees to rise, which may increase the tree's internal temperature. 

As a result, trees may transpire, or release moisture from the bark, branches, and leaves. Though this is the tree's way of "sweating" to lower its internal temperature, it can lead to dehydration.

Additionally, with each 18-degree increase in outdoor temperatures, trees may double their rate of respiration. This is the process by which trees release water and carbon dioxide following photosynthesis. Though the release of moisture can dissipate excess heat from sunlight, trees may lose too much water due to accelerated respiration rates, which can cause heat stress. 

What Are Common Symptoms?

When trees do not have enough water in internal tissues, they cannot complete photosynthesis. This may result in heat stress symptoms such as dry, drooping, or discolored leaves. Additionally, you might notice off-season defoliation, and fruit may drop from branches before it ripens. You might also observe cracked bark or stunted branch growth.

How Can You Prevent It?

Adding mulch around trees can reduce soil temperatures and keep roots moist, reducing the risk of heat stress and keeping trees hydrated. Wood chips and shredded bark are good organic options. Spread about two to four inches of the product within a three-foot radius of each base. However, tree care professionals advise against piling mulch against the trunk, as this can lead to decay and rotting. 

Additionally, restore lost moisture during summer by watering trees with one to two inches of moisture once or twice weekly. Irrigating during the early morning hours can provide trees with moisture that keeps soil cool throughout the day. Since this can lower the air temperature around trees, it may reduce the risk of heat stress.

Keep your trees healthy and beautiful year-round with help from Tidwell's Tree Service. This arborist provides tree care, including trimming, removal, and stump grinding, to clients throughout Macon, GA. Call (478) 755-1515 to book an appointment for tree services, and visit the website to learn more about how they can help you maintain your lawn and landscaping.