Minding Your Newly Planted Trees in Summer: Tips for a Thriving Garden in Ireland

If you’ve recently planted trees in your garden or yard, it’s essential to take care of them properly during the summer months. Summer in Ireland can bring a mix of weather conditions, from sunny and hot to rainy and humid. Therefore, it’s important to take certain precautions to ensure that your newly planted trees thrive and grow strong. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to mind your newly planted trees during summer in Ireland.

1. Water your trees regularly: Newly planted trees need water to establish their roots and grow. During the summer months, you may need to water your trees more frequently than in other seasons. As a general rule of thumb, trees need about 2 inches of water per week, but this can vary depending on the tree species, soil type, and weather conditions. Make sure to water your trees deeply, so the water reaches the roots. Avoid watering the leaves or trunk, as this can lead to disease and pest problems.

2. Mulch around your trees: Mulch is a layer of organic material, such as leaves, grass clippings, or wood chips, that you can spread around the base of your trees. Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Make sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk of the tree to prevent moisture buildup and avoid rot.

3. Prune your trees: Summer is a good time to prune your trees to promote healthy growth and remove any dead or damaged branches. Pruning also helps improve the tree’s shape and appearance. However, avoid pruning during hot and dry periods, as this can stress the tree and increase the risk of damage.

4. Protect your trees from pests: Summer is the season when many pests, such as aphids, spider mites, and scale insects, are most active. These pests can damage your trees by feeding on the leaves, sucking sap, and transmitting diseases. You can protect your trees from pests by regularly inspecting them for signs of infestation, using natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings, and applying insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.

5. Provide shade and shelter: Some tree species, such as maples and birches, are sensitive to direct sunlight and heat. If you’ve planted such trees in your garden, provide them with shade and shelter during hot and dry periods. You can use shade cloth, umbrellas, or even planting other trees or shrubs nearby to create a natural canopy.

6. Be mindful of extreme weather conditions: Summer in Ireland can be unpredictable, with occasional heatwaves and storms. Extreme weather conditions can damage your newly planted trees, especially if they are not well-established yet. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and take precautions, such as staking or tying your trees, covering them with tarps or blankets, or bringing them indoors if necessary.

7. In conclusion, minding your newly planted trees during summer in Ireland requires some effort and attention. Watering, mulching, pruning, pest control, shade, and shelter are some of the key factors to consider. By following these tips, you can ensure that your trees grow healthy and strong and provide you with shade, beauty, and environmental benefits for many years to come.

If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch. We have a wide selection of native Irish trees & other species available.