At Barrett Tree Service East, we know that keeping your landscape healthy through the summer isn’t always as simple as watering more. As temperatures climb and summer heatwaves become more frequent in the Northeast, plants face serious challenges that can quickly compromise their health. Whether it’s drought stress, sun scorch, or pest infestations, extreme heat puts a strain on your trees and shrubs that goes far beyond what the eye can see.
If you're wondering how these high temperatures impact your landscape—and what you can do about it—here’s what you need to know.
Dehydration and Drought Stress
One of the most immediate threats of a heatwave is moisture loss. During extreme heat, plants lose water through a process called transpiration. If your soil can’t retain enough moisture or watering schedules don’t keep up, your plants can quickly become dehydrated. Symptoms of drought stress include wilting leaves, browning edges, early leaf drop, and slowed growth.
At Barrett Tree Service East, we provide customized Plant Health Care (PHC) programs that include proper watering guidance and soil health assessments. Our team can help ensure your trees and shrubs are getting the hydration they need—without risking overwatering or shallow root development.
Heat Stress and Leaf Scorch
Even well-watered plants can suffer from heat stress. During a heatwave, the sun’s intensity can burn leaves, leaving them scorched, curled, or discolored. This damage not only affects the appearance of your landscape but also reduces the plant’s ability to photosynthesize and grow.
Deciduous trees, in particular, are vulnerable to sun scorch if they’re exposed to full sunlight during peak hours without adequate soil moisture. As part of our Plant Health Care services, we monitor and treat foliage damage early to prevent long-term decline.
Root Damage and Compacted Soils
Soil health is often overlooked when dealing with heat stress, but it’s a critical factor. High temperatures can lead to dry, compacted soils that restrict root growth and limit oxygen availability. When roots are stressed, the entire plant becomes more vulnerable to disease and decline.
Our PHC programs focus on improving soil structure and fertility, using science-based techniques like mulching, organic soil amendments, and root collar inspections. By addressing the root cause (literally), we help your plants stay resilient even in extreme conditions.
Increased Pest and Disease Pressure
Stressed plants are like magnets for pests and diseases. Insects such as scale, mites, and borers are more likely to infest trees that are already weakened by heat. Fungal infections also thrive in hot, humid conditions, especially when airflow is limited and foliage remains damp.
Our arborists at Barrett Tree Service East are trained to detect early signs of pest activity and disease during our routine assessments. With targeted treatments and an integrated approach, we manage infestations while supporting the plant’s overall health.
Long-Term Decline
Heatwave damage isn’t always immediate. Some of the worst effects show up later in the season or even the following year. Chronic stress weakens a plant’s defenses, making it more vulnerable to winter injury, poor spring growth, and even mortality.
That’s why we emphasize year-round care, not just summer fixes. Our Plant Health Care services are proactive and preventive—tailored to your landscape’s unique needs through every season.
Support Your Plants Through the Heat
Caring for your trees and shrubs during a heatwave takes more than a hose and a prayer. It requires a knowledgeable, strategic approach that supports plant health from the roots up. At Barrett Tree Service East, we believe in sustainable plant care solutions that strengthen your landscape’s natural defenses, protect your investment, and keep your property looking its best—no matter what Mother Nature brings.
Let’s work together to keep your plants cool, healthy, and thriving all summer long. Learn more about our Plant Health Care services and how our certified arborists can help you stay ahead of the heat.
Call Barrett Tree Service East now at (617) 344-9964 or send us a message online.