Cypress, Texas, experiences a wide temperature range throughout the year. The winters are mild and short, while the summers are very hot and humid. Unpredictable weather patterns make it impossible for a variety of tree species to thrive.
As a homeowner, you’ll need effective tree care strategies to maintain them properly, preventing heat stress. Our highly trained and certified arborists at Monster Tree of Northwest Houston are ready to give you a few tree care tips.
Choosing Heat-Resistant Trees for Cypress, TX
Understanding tree species best suited for Cypress climate helps to reduce maintenance and promote tree health. In this blog post, we suggest a few trees you can plant in Cypress, TX. Most are drought-tolerant and can withstand Texas summer heat.
The oak tree is one of the North Texas trees that can tolerate different soil conditions and combat heat stress. You can plant the live bur oak, shumard, lacey, or chinquapin oak. Bur oaks are both heat and freeze-resistant and can live up to 300 years. The chinquapin tree is resistant to oak wilt, which is a common disease in North Texas oak trees.
Another heat-resistant tree includes the Chinese Pistache which provides sufficient shade on hot summer days. Chinese pistache trees are drought and tree pests resistant. Remember to plant Chinese pistache trees at least 15 feet away from your house.
Crepe myrtles are also ideal for residential and commercial landscapes. They provide beautiful shades of red, purple, pink etc. Crepe myrtles flowers easily, are low maintenance and don’t require a lot of water. As established trees, crepe myrtles are resistant to drought.
Proper Watering Techniques for Hot, Dry Weather
Drought and heat-resistant trees require proper care to prevent fungal diseases. During summer, trees get stressed and are vulnerable to pest infestations. While not all pests need intervention, you can reach out to Monster Tree of Northwest Houston for proper treatment.
You should also provide sufficient water for your beloved trees during hot and dry periods. Water and nutrient absorption is impossible as the surrounding soils are compact. Watering trees in the early mornings and late evenings is essential to minimize evaporation. Deep watering during the hot summer is essential to allow trees to absorb enough water.
Drip irrigation, soaker hoses, or automatic tree bubblers can provide a deep water solution for your trees. A watering schedule allows you to avoid over-or underwatering. Monster Tree of Northwest Houston can help install a simple irrigation system that allows your trees to get enough water during the summer heat.
Mulching and Soil Care to Retain Moisture
We recommend layering organic mulch around your trees to preserve moisture and prevent evaporation. Apart from regulating soil temperatures, mulching limits the growth of unwanted weeds.
Begin by uprooting any weeds around the tree. Add a layer of mulch 4 inches away from the base of the tree. The depth of the mulch should not exceed 3 inches. The mulch should not touch or cover the tree trunk.
Avoid volcano mulching, which exposes your tree to constant moisture, leading to bark rot. Piling mulch around the tree is what is known as volcano mulching. High mulch levels result in trees producing additional roots from the bark instead of the base. Additional roots, if not trimmed on time can grow stronger and choke the tree.
Pruning and Maintenance Strategies for Heat-Stressed Trees
Regular and proper tree pruning techniques make it easier to remove damaged, dead, and diseased branches. Tree trimming promotes healthy growth and helps maintain the structural integrity of the trees. You can consult our expert arborists for some proper tree-pruning techniques to prevent tree damage.
We recommend you keep tree pruning to a minimum, especially during the summer. Large or improper pruning cuts can cause damage and might even lead to tree death. Dry conditions and weak limbs can also cause tree death.
Recognizing and Treating Heat Stress in Trees
Regular tree inspections are essential, especially during the scorching heat of summer. Look out for any signs of heat stress, such as wilting, yellowing, or scorched leaves. Leaves curling at the edges or premature leaf drop can also affect tree health.
Timely watering will keep a tree hydrated and in most instances prevent death. If you notice any heat stress signs, you should consult our expert arborists at Monster Tree of Northwest Houston. We shall then recommend the most ideal treatment plan for the trees.
Professional Tree Care Services in Cypress, TX
Unpredictable weather patterns can make it impossible to have healthy trees in your yard. Planting heat-resistant trees such as the Chinese pistache, crepe myrtle and various types of oaks can withstand the hot summers of Cypress, TX.
At Monster Tree of Northwest Houston, our expert arborists can provide specialized care for trees around your home. Consult us for successful tree management tips and top-quality tree care services.