AUGUST Tree Topics | Pruning hacks, surprising tips for yellowing leaves & more!
With kids are getting back into school, its the perfect time to give yourself and your trees a little attention! Caring for trees in Nebraska during August can be a bit tricky, as the high temperatures and dry conditions can cause stress and damage to trees. Here are some tips to help keep your trees healthy during this time:
Fruit Tree Hygiene
It's peach season in Nebraska! Clean up fruit around trees to prevent pests & potential safety issues. Rolled ankles and bee stings can be mostly avoided through routine sanitation. Don't forget to add the refuse to your compost so the bees can still appreciate the fruits of your labor at a safe distance!
Deadwood Pruning
Consider cleaning up the damage and deadwood produced by the storm season and stresses of summer. Do this before winter, if possible. Trees can still be pruned during the winter season. In fact, winter and early spring is the recommended time to trim certain species that are especially prone to pests and diseases. The reason we recommend pruning more resilient trees at this time is because it can be difficult to identify dead wood after leaf fall. If you want a really good dead wood prune, and the most bang for your buck, get on the schedule for fall pruning now.
Yellowing Oak Leaves
Does your oak tree have unusually pale or yellow leaves? It may be suffering from chlorosis. We have good news! We are still injecting iron in pin oaks for chlorosis as lower temperatures will allow. This micronutrient combats lack of iron caused by Omaha’s high soil ph. The condition is exacerbated by heat stress and drought conditions. Trees can still be saved with a little help from the local tree lady! Just 10 days later the trees will be feeling much better and appear much greener.
Declining Trees
Speaking of stress… After a hot summer punctuated by extreme August weather conditions, trees can become stressed and begin to show signs of decline. Keep an eye out for wilting leaves, yellowing or browning of leaves, or any signs of pest infestation. Addressing these issues early will help to keep your trees healthy and strong. If you notice any of the signs mentioned, consult with an arborist to determine the best course of action.
Bagworms
Normally, the window to spray insecticide for bagworms in Nebraska has concluded by this time, but this year, the season has been delayed. Chemical applicators are still treating for bagworms at this time, but the window will soon be closing. With pesticides, less is more, and we do not advocate for their use in most cases. We only recommend spraying insecticide when the bagworm populations are effecting high value or large trees.
Watering
We hate to beat a dead horse, but this is SO critical... especially this year! (Learn why trees Water your trees deeply and regularly: During August, the temperatures can soar, and rainfall may not be enough to keep your trees hydrated. Make sure to water your trees deeply at least once a week, and more frequently if the weather is particularly harsh. For more information about how to properly water trees in Nebraska, check out our tree watering guide.
Questions about tree care?
By following these tips, you can help to keep your trees healthy and thriving during the hot, dry month of August in Nebraska. We do our best to provide practical and easy-to-follow advice for tree care in Omaha’s unique climate. If you have any questions, or encounter any issues along the way, our certified arborists and tree crew are dedicated to making your Omaha trees happy and healthy! Fill out the form below or schedule a free 30 minute arborist consultation.