Signs Your Tree is Struggling in the Heat

As heat waves are destined to hit this summer it is important to know how to identify when your tree is saying: “I need help!” While many trees are hardy and adaptable, extreme or prolonged heat can take a toll on even the healthiest trees.

Wilting or curling leaves is one of the first signs that your tree is experiencing heat stress.

Another sign could be leaf scorch or browning edges, which happens when a tree loses water faster than it can absorb it, due to dry soil and high temperatures.

• Brown, crispy edges on leaves (especially on outer edges)
• Yellowing between veins or across entire leaves
• Premature leaf drop, particularly in younger trees

Excessive leaf drop happens as a survival mechanism in hot, dry conditions. Dropping green or scorched leaves is due to heat stress.

• Can be normal for certain species like birch
• Widespread leaf loss is a red flag

Cracked or splitting bark, especially along the trunk or large limbs, is a clear sign of drought stress.

• Cracks may appear suddenly
• May expose underlying wood
• Young or thin-barked trees are more vulnerable to pests and sunscald

Look out for pests and disease, which often follow heat stress:

• Borer holes
• Sticky sap
• Ants or beetles gathering near damaged areas
• Fungal growth or mildew, especially on weakened limbs

Water deeply 1–2 times per week (rather than shallow daily watering)

Mulch around the base (2–3 inches thick), but keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk

Fertilizing can do more harm than good when trees are already struggling

For mature trees showing severe symptoms, professional care is recommended

Your trees are tough, but they still need care. With a little attention, you can help them not only survive, but thrive through it.