milehigh_7
Mister 500,000
Okay everyone Summer is officially here. We had the coolest June in history with an average high of only 99F. Well, here it comes for real. Single-digit humidity (it was 4% today) and temps will be well north of 110F this next week. Sounds like certain death for your trees right? Trust me it can happen. I have lost as many as 50 in a single day before, but that was many years ago. So what do we do about this? There are a few things. Please, as you interact with this thread, post the tips and tricks that you use to protect your trees.
1) Afternoon shade -- This is likely the most important thing you can do. As much shade after 10 AM as possible. In the past, I have had an area covered with shade cloth. This is ideal if you have the space. I no longer do.
2) Fast draining pots & soil -- This ranks right up with the first one as if you have any standing water in your pots in this heat, your roots will literally boil. Damp not wet is the key.
3) Multiple waterings -- This helps a lot! However, see #2 your pot must drain quickly. This does two things, cool the root zone and supply oxygen to the roots.
4) Beware of reflected heat -- This is a real problem. In Arizona sidewalks, block walls, stucco, and even landscape rocks get ridiculously hot and stay that way for hours even after sundown.
5) Shelter from drying wind if possible -- Nothing is sadder than starting the day with a healthy tree and coming home from work to see a stick with potato chips for leaves.
6) Bunch your trees together as tightly as possible without damaging them -- This one is only for occasional and emergency use as you will have all kinds of issues arising from poor airflow but in a pinch, this can be a lifesaver as the trees shelter each other and help maintain some humidity.
There you go a quick and dirty list off the top of my head. Feel free to jump in with your tricks!
1) Afternoon shade -- This is likely the most important thing you can do. As much shade after 10 AM as possible. In the past, I have had an area covered with shade cloth. This is ideal if you have the space. I no longer do.
2) Fast draining pots & soil -- This ranks right up with the first one as if you have any standing water in your pots in this heat, your roots will literally boil. Damp not wet is the key.
3) Multiple waterings -- This helps a lot! However, see #2 your pot must drain quickly. This does two things, cool the root zone and supply oxygen to the roots.
4) Beware of reflected heat -- This is a real problem. In Arizona sidewalks, block walls, stucco, and even landscape rocks get ridiculously hot and stay that way for hours even after sundown.
5) Shelter from drying wind if possible -- Nothing is sadder than starting the day with a healthy tree and coming home from work to see a stick with potato chips for leaves.
6) Bunch your trees together as tightly as possible without damaging them -- This one is only for occasional and emergency use as you will have all kinds of issues arising from poor airflow but in a pinch, this can be a lifesaver as the trees shelter each other and help maintain some humidity.
There you go a quick and dirty list off the top of my head. Feel free to jump in with your tricks!
