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Trees are one of the most valuable assets in a North Texas landscape. But as summer arrives, rising temperatures, dry spells, and seasonal pests can seriously threaten their health. Whether you're a homeowner in Arlington, a property manager in Fort Worth, or overseeing a commercial site in Dallas, maintaining summer tree health is essential for protecting your landscape investment and ensuring long-term canopy vitality.

Here’s what you need to know about tree care in June and July across North Texas, including common tree diseases, drought stress symptoms, and the best ways to keep your trees thriving.

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 can cause:

Drought stress due to high evaporation and poor soil moisture
Heat stress, especially in young or recently transplanted trees
Increased vulnerability to pests and pathogens
Cracking bark or scorched leaves

When trees are stressed, their natural defenses weaken, making them prime targets for 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 is dropping limbs or covered in brown leaves. With North Texas’s punishing heat, taking a proactive approach to summer tree health can make the difference between a thriving canopy and a costly removal.

Need help evaluating your trees? Our ISA-certified arborists are just a call away and ready to assist across Arlington, Fort Worth, Mansfield, and surrounding areas.

Have your trees looked stressed this summer? What signs are you noticing? Drop your observations in the comments, we’d love to hear from you!