Summer in Minnesota is no joke. You have the scorching sun one day and sideways rain the next. If you’ve lived here long enough, you know our trees take a beating from more than just the heat. They face high winds, sudden droughts, invasive pests, and nutrient-poor soil, all in a matter of weeks.
For homeowners across the Twin Cities and nearby spots like Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, and Wayzata, staying on top of tree care in summer is key.
Instead of a generic to-do list, we’re breaking it down month by month to help you stay proactive without getting overwhelmed. Plus, we’ll show you where Birch Tree Care can step in to help when you need extra hands (or expertise).
June tree care schedule (Start prepping for the season)
1. Deep watering: Don’t rely on thunderstorms to get the job done. Your trees need deep watering (10 gallons per inch of trunk diameter) once or twice a week to build drought resistance. Shallow, frequent watering actually weakens roots.
2. Smart mulching: Mulch is your tree’s best friend if done right. A fresh 2-4 inch layer helps regulate soil temperature and moisture, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk to avoid rot.
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3. Missed fertilization? There’s still time: Early spring is ideal, but many Minnesota trees can still benefit from summer fertilization. Our fertilization services are customized to your local soil conditions.
4. Early pest check: Bronze birch borers and aphids love early summer. Yellowing leaves or sudden leaf drop are early signs. Our arborists can spot trouble before it spreads.
July plant treatment schedule (maintain and monitor your plants)
1. Stay on a watering schedule: The heat is on. Test your soil about 6 inches down. If it’s dry, it’s time to water. Consider using soaker hoses or drip systems for even moisture.
2. Know your summer pests: Keep an eye out for Japanese beetles, lace bugs, and spider mites. Beetles chew leaves; mites leave tiny webs. Need backup? We’ve got your pest control covered.
3. Prune: Don’t go wild with pruning in July. Your tree is in full growth mode. But broken or diseased branches? Those can go. Our tree trimming experts know how to make clean, healthy cuts.
4. Storm-proofing: With storms rolling in, now’s the time to check for limbs near power lines, dead wood, or weak branch unions. We offer structural assessments and cabling services, as well as emergency storm damage assistance to keep things safe.
August tree care schedule (Protect your trees)
1. Don’t let up on water: August tends to be dry in the Twin Cities region. Continue watering consistently to reduce drought stress. Look out for leaves curling or dropping early.
2. Watch for late-season stress: Heat, pests, and compacted soil all take their toll. If your tree looks “off” (sparse canopy, premature colour change), it’s time for a health check.
3. Plan for fall: Fall fertilization, root collar excavation, and dormant pruning season are just around the corner. Book an inspection now while our schedule still has room.
4. Spot issues early: Whether you’re in Excelsior, Plymouth, or Hamel, don’t let small signs turn into big problems. Our team at Birch Tree Care offers custom care plans to support your trees year-round.
Why work with us at Birch Tree Care
Tree care in Minnesota isn’t a quick fix. Different trees and plants require different care depending on what their needs are. And, at Birch Tree Care, we inspect your trees and plants to make sure they get proper treatment and care. We’ve been caring for trees in this climate for over a decade, and we know what it takes to get them through summer looking strong.
Whether you’ve got a storm-damaged maple in Mound or a pest-prone spruce in Wayzata, our team of certified arborists is ready to help. Call us for a mid-season check-up or a full summer tree care plan customized for your property.
Let’s keep your trees healthy, vibrant, and storm-ready for the season.