Beyond the Forecast: Protecting Your Landscape from Heat & Drought Summer Care This summer, the heat is expected to go beyond the norm. The National Weather Service is forecasting above-average temperatures across the Southwest and West, amplifying the usual challenges of long, dry days and minimal rainfall. And while the forecast may feel familiar, the impact on your landscape can be anything but routine. Without proactive care, trees, palms, and soil may struggle to withstand the season’s intensifying stress. Even in average summers, plant stress accumulates quietly. Without targeted support, your trees, plants, palms, and soil can begin to deteriorate in ways that aren’t always visible until damage is already prevalent. Here’s how to recognize the early warning signs and stay ahead of this hotter-than-average season. Heat and Drought Stress Can Appear Subtle at First Plants lose water faster than they can replace it in hot, dry conditions, especially if the soil isn’t holding moisture effectively. Drought stress often sets in gradually, with trees and shrubs adapting quietly until the symptoms become more pronounced. Common indicators include: Wilting or curling leaves during the hottest part of the day Brown or scorched leaf edges Premature leaf drop in deciduous trees Reduced fruiting in ornamentals and edibles Heat-stressed plants also enter a survival mode, redirecting energy away from growth and toward stress tolerance, protecting cells from damage caused by stress. Over time, this reduces their resilience and makes recovery more difficult, even if conditions improve. Insect Activity Increases in Drought-Stressed Plants Insects often target plants already weakened by environmental stress. Heat and drought reduce a plant’s natural defenses, making it easier for insects to feed, burrow, or spread disease. Common drought-related insect concerns include: Spider mites, which thrive in hot, dry weather, cause stippling or yellowing on leaves Borers, which attack the inner bark and wood of weakened trees Scale insects, which feed on sap and often go unnoticed until plants decline Early summer is the ideal time for preventive treatment. Even if you’ve treated earlier in the year, continued monitoring is essential. Drought can accelerate insect development and invite new infestations mid-season. Palms Require Protection—Even in Their Native Climate Palms are well-adapted to desert environments, but they still require thoughtful care, especially during prolonged heat. Support palm health by: Avoiding over-pruning. Green fronds provide critical protection from sunburn and help maintain internal moisture balance. Watering slowly and deeply at the base of the trunk to reach the root initiation zone. Fertilizing in early summer with a formulation designed for palm nutrition and drought resistance. Neglected palms may not show visible stress until the damage is advanced, so early intervention is key. Strengthen Soil Health with ArborKelp® In high-heat environments, soil health is often the first casualty. Extended dryness breaks down organic matter, reduces microbial activity, and weakens the soil’s ability to retain nutrients and moisture. ArborKelp®, SavATree’s proprietary seaweed-based biostimulant, offers a natural way to restore and protect your soil. Sourced from nutrient-rich kelp beds off the coast of Nova Scotia, it supports plant resilience by: Enhancing moisture retention Strengthening root systems Improving nutrient uptake Aiding in recovery from environmental stress Think of it as both a protective layer and a long-term investment in plant health. Above Average Heat Requires Above Average Care Summer heat is always expected, but this year the temperatures will be even higher. Prolonged heat, limited rainfall, and hidden insect activity can quietly erode your landscape, even if everything appears fine on the surface. The key to protecting your property isn’t waiting—it’s acting early. With expert guidance on soil health, pruning, and seasonal care, your trees, palms, and plants can stay strong through the peak of summer. Schedule a consultation today and protect what matters most. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an expert arborist.