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Trees are among the most valuable assets in any North Texas landscape, offering beauty, shade, and lasting value. But as summer sets in, rising temperatures, prolonged dry spells, and seasonal pests can place immense stress on even the healthiest trees. Without proper care, these conditions can quickly escalate into long-term problems that weaken your landscape.

Whether you’re a homeowner in Arlington, a property manager in Fort Worth, or responsible for a commercial site in Dallas, focusing on summer tree health is essential for protecting your investment and preserving canopy vitality. This includes proactive monitoring for drought stress, pest issues, and fungal infections, as well as regular tree disease identification to catch problems early. By combining preventive maintenance with solutions like targeted tree injections, you can reduce risk, strengthen root systems, and ensure your trees continue to thrive through the hottest months of the year.

Here’s what you need to know about effective tree care in June and July across North Texas, including how to recognize common tree diseases, spot signs of drought stress, and apply proven strategies to keep your trees healthy all summer long.

Why Summer Is Stressful for Trees in North Texas

North Texas summers are infamous for their triple-digit temperatures, inconsistent rainfall, and dry soil conditions. This intense environment puts immense pressure on trees, especially those without consistent soil moisture solutions or routine tree and shrub care.

During the hottest months, trees face multiple challenges that can quickly lead to decline if not managed properly:

Drought stress due to high evaporation rates and insufficient soil moisture retention
Heat stress, especially in young, newly planted, or recently transplanted trees that haven’t yet developed deep root systems
Increased vulnerability to pests, borers, and fungal pathogens that thrive when trees are weakened
Cracking bark and scorched leaves from prolonged sun exposure and inadequate hydration

Without proactive tree and shrub care, such as proper watering schedules, mulch management, and soil conditioning, even well-established trees can struggle to withstand North Texas heat. Incorporating professional soil moisture solutions: like deep root watering systems, soil aeration, or moisture-retaining treatments, helps maintain the balance trees need to stay healthy through extreme weather.

When trees are stressed, their natural defenses weaken, leaving them vulnerable to insects and disease.

Common Summer Tree Diseases in North Texas

Several pathogens become more active in warm, humid, or drought-stressed conditions:

1. Oak Wilt

Oak wilt is a deadly vascular disease that spreads rapidly in hot months. It often affects red oaks and live oaks and is transmitted by beetles or through interconnected root systems.

Symptoms: Leaf discoloration (often “veinal necrosis”), leaf drop in summer, and sudden canopy thinning.

2. Hypoxylon Canker

This opportunistic fungus targets trees already weakened by drought. It's commonly seen in oaks, elms, and pecans.

Symptoms: Bark sloughing off, exposed silvery or dark fungal mats, and limb dieback.

3. Anthracnose

This fungal disease can continue into early summer, especially in wetter areas. It causes leaf spot and twig blight in sycamores, oaks, and ash trees.

Symptoms: Brown or black leaf blotches, premature leaf drop, and dead twigs.

For an in-depth breakdown of issues like these, check out our page on tree diseases common to Arlington.

Signs Your Trees Are in Trouble

If you notice any of the following issues during the summer, it may be time to call a professional arborist:

Leaves turning brown and dropping early
Wilting or scorched leaves even with irrigation
Visible cracks or oozing sap on the trunk
Excessive dead branches or crown thinning
Fungal growth at the base of the tree

Summer Tree Care Tips for North Texas

Proactive care is the best way to keep your trees healthy through harsh summers. Here are our top recommendations:

1. Deep Root Watering

Forget the sprinkler! Trees need slow, deep watering around the drip line (not near the trunk) to hydrate their roots 6–12 inches below the surface. Water early in the morning or late evening once or twice a week depending on rainfall.

2. Mulch Matters

Apply 2–4 inches of mulch in a donut shape around the tree's base to regulate soil moisture and temperature. Be sure to keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot.

3. Inspect for Insects

Pests like borers, aphids, and webworms thrive in summer. Early detection is key. If you notice chewing damage, sticky residue, or tiny holes in bark or leaves, it’s time for an inspection.

4. Avoid Pruning Unless Necessary

Summer pruning can stress trees. Limit trimming to dead or dangerous limbs unless you're dealing with disease or storm damage.

5. Schedule a Tree Health Inspection

Mid-summer is an ideal time to schedule a check-up with a certified arborist. An expert can identify problems before they become costly.

Want to learn more about what we offer? Visit our tree care services page to explore how we support tree health year-round.

Don’t Forget About Pests

While you're focused on hydration and pruning, don’t overlook pest pressure. Summer is peak season for:

Spider mites that cause stippling or bronzing on leaves
Bagworms that defoliate evergreens
Borers that attack drought‑stressed trees
Carpenter ants and termites in trees with dead wood

Our team offers environmentally responsible tree‑pest control programs that address these issues while protecting beneficial insects.

The Long-Term Benefits of Summer Tree Care

Trees that are healthy through the summer are more resilient in winter and bounce back quickly in spring. They also:

Require less maintenance over time
Offer better shade and energy savings
Improve property value and curb appeal
Live longer and remain structurally sound

Don’t wait until your tree starts dropping limbs or showing signs of stress like brown, withered leaves. In North Texas’s relentless summer heat, a proactive approach to tree care can mean the difference between maintaining a thriving canopy and facing an expensive removal later on.

For complete, ongoing protection, consider Trees Hurt Too’s full service lawn and ornamental packages designed to keep your entire landscape healthy from roots to canopy.

Need help evaluating your trees? Our ISA-certified arborists proudly serve Arlington, Fort Worth, Mansfield, and all service areas with expert care and trusted local experience.