How to Protect Your Trees from the Texas Heat: Summer Watering & Drought Survival Tips
North Texas summers can be brutal, and your trees feel it just as much as you do. With temperatures soaring and rainfall becoming rare,
trees enter survival mode. That’s why now is the time to pay close attention to signs of drought stress and give your trees the support they need to thrive through the hottest months.
Why Summer Is So Hard on Trees
Even mature trees can suffer in extended heat. In North Texas, the triple threat of intense sun, compact clay soil, and water restrictions can spell trouble fast. Unlike turf or flowerbeds, trees have deeper, more complex root systems, and if they don’t get enough water, it shows.
- Drooping or curling leaves
- Yellowing or early leaf drop
- Cracked bark or trunk splits
- Dead branches or a thinning canopy
How to Water Trees the Right Way
Watering trees is not the same as watering your lawn. In fact, many trees suffer because sprinkler systems don’t reach their root zones properly.
Follow these best practices:
- Water slowly and deeply once or twice a week, early morning or after sunset.
- Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation around the root zone (under the canopy edge).
- Water at least 6–12 inches deep to reach the active root system.
- Avoid watering near the trunk — focus on the outer “drip line” instead.
Pro Tip: Lay down a moisture meter and test the soil 4–6 inches deep. If it’s dry, your tree needs water. You can also contact us for a tree moisture check.
The Power of Mulch in Summer
One of the best ways to conserve moisture and protect your trees is with mulch. A 2 to 4-inch layer of organic mulch, like wood chips or shredded bark, protects the roots. It also reduces evaporation and helps keep the soil temperature steady.
Do this:
- Spread mulch in a wide donut around the base — but keep it 6 inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
- Refresh mulch each summer or after heavy storms.
️ Tree Canopy Protection & UV Scorch
Excessive sunlight can scorch leaves, especially on young or newly planted trees. If you’ve recently planted, consider temporary shade cloth or tree wraps to protect exposed bark and foliage.
Avoid Common Summer Mistakes
- Don’t overwater — soggy soil can suffocate roots.
- Don’t prune heavily in peak heat unless it’s emergency storm cleanup.
- Don’t fertilize stressed trees — it can burn roots and worsen stress.
When to Call in the Pros
If you notice continued decline, dead branches, or sudden leaf loss, it’s time for an expert inspection. Plano Tree Care Inc. offers:
✅ Final Takeaway
Your trees are one of the most valuable parts of your landscape, but they need help to survive a Texas summer. With smart watering, mulch, and preventive care, you can keep them healthy and resilient.
Need Help? We’ve Got North Texas Covered.
Serving Plano, Frisco, McKinney & all North Texas