How to Water Mature Trees During a Heatwave

We know Georgia summers have a scorching reputation. In 2025 alone, news sources reported summertime temperatures hitting the triple digits with Atlanta experiencing the fourth hottest July on record.

When sweltering days roll around again, many homeowners will be quick to provide their lawns and flower beds with heatwave-ready hydration. Unfortunately, established and mature trees aren’t always on the top of the list. However, they should be as trees remain the cornerstone of a home landscape. The Purdue University Extension reminds us of their countless benefits, from helping to clean our air to increasing property values, to providing shade and saving energy, and more.

Here at Premier Tree Solutions, we want to share the critical importance of watering mature trees during a heatwave and drought conditions, and the best way to do it.

Why Water Mature Trees During a Heatwave?

The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences says without proper water to make food or cool themselves, trees can overheat. A majority of a tree’s active roots can be found within the top 12 inches of soil and spread past the tree’s canopy. The University of Missouri Extension explains how excessive, long-lasting heat and drought basically bakes the soil. These conditions can have a devastating effect on the roots responsible for water and nutrient uptake by killing or damaging them in the process. Additionally, the Purdue University Extension shares other ways a drought can have a negative impact on trees. This includes slowing and reducing tree growth, lessening carbohydrate production, lowering energy reserves for survival through winter, increasing its vulnerability to pests, and even causing the tree to die.

When is the right time to water a tree? The University of Missouri Extension suggests checking soil moisture by trying to push the head of a screwdriver six to eight inches into the ground located around the tree root zone. If you experience resistance, that means the tree needs water.

Where and How to Water a Mature Tree

When it comes to established trees, avoid pouring water at the base of the trunk, which can cause decay and disease. Since the roots that absorb water and oxygen are spread across a wide area, it’s best to focus your watering on the tree’s outer root zone. As a general rule, apply water in a wide circular band that starts halfway between the trunk and the dripline, spans across the dripline, and extends several feet beyond it.

Experts suggest watering trees in the early morning or late evening to lessen the possibility of water evaporation. According to the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer, the best way to water a mature tree is slowly and deeply. It suggests using an irrigation bubbler, multiple drip emitters, or a hand-held hose when watering the tree’s root zone. It’s ideal to moisten the soil two to three feet deep during each watering session and allow the surface to dry between waterings.

The University of Missouri Extension suggests watering deeply every six to seven days during dry weather. If a heatwave or drought increases or when temperatures shoot above 95 degrees, increase watering to every four to five days.

Call Premier Tree Solutions for Tree Watering Advice

Do you have any questions about the best way to water your trees during summer heat? Call 404-252-6448 or schedule a complimentary assessment online.

Summer Pruning vs. Winter Pruning: What Your Fruit Trees and Crape Myrtles Need Now

Fruit trees and crape myrtles may seem different on the surface, but they have more in common than you might think. While the former bears juicy, edible goodies, the latter is known for its vibrant, crepe paper-like flowers. Yet, since they have several botanical and structural similarities, fruit trees and crape myrtles share similar approaches to pruning.

Pruning crape myrtles and fruit trees can involve two phases: winter and summer. As Premier Tree Solutions has shared before in a previous blog, dormant winter pruning helps revitalize and shape these trees. Active summer pruning manages overgrowth, and bolsters fruit and bloom quality.

Premier Tree Solutions is here to share both strategies for each tree and the best way to turn over a new leaf.

Fruit Trees: Balancing Growth and Southern Heat

The Winter Strategy: The University of Georgia Extension says in most cases pruning temperate fruit trees such as peach, pear, and apple should take place during the winter dormant period. The later dormant season is best since trees can be more vulnerable to freeze damage after pruning, and pruning stimulates growth. Pruning and training fruit trees improves airflow, which sets the trees up for success in advance of the more humid months. Recommended pruning techniques vary from tree type. You can consult the Gwinnett County Extension Service’s fruit tree pruning guide compiled from various University of Georgia publications.

The Summer Strategy: Mid-summer is a good time for fruit tree maintenance. It controls the tree’s vigor instead of encouraging it. The first step is to remove any diseased, dead, or damaged wood. Next, remove leafy shoots, which actually slows down vegetative growth and opens up the canopy, allowing the tree to focus its energy toward fruit development. According to the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, summer pruning helps keep trees manageable, results in better fruit, and allows for an easier harvest. The University of Georgia reminds us to skip pruning in the late summer or early fall as it can increase the probability of winter injury.

Crape Myrtles: Proper Pruning and Avoiding ‘Crape Murder’

The Winter/Early Spring Strategy: While the most aesthetically pleasing crape myrtle trees typically result from limited or no pruning, the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences says crape myrtle pruning can be important. This is due to the fact that blooms only form on new growth. It’s best to prune crape myrtle trees during the dormant season, from late winter to early spring. Proper pruning can give way to stems that are strong enough to carry the weight of summer blooms. However, keep in mind that crape myrtles don’t require pruning in order to flower. This misconception has spawned aggressive pruning practices known as “crape murder,” which involves topping the tree or cutting off big limbs. When pruning crape myrtle trees, it’s important to follow correct techniques.

The Summer Strategy: When it comes to early-blooming crape myrtle cultivars, you can remove spent flower blossoms after they fade. The University of Georgia says this helps stimulate new growth and another blossom flush in late summer.

Premier Tree Solutions: Your Crape Myrtle and Fruit Tree Pruning Pros

Are you contemplating pruning crape myrtle or fruit trees? Premier Tree Solutions have the professional equipment and expert knowledge to properly prune these trees, be it winter or summer. Call 404-252-6448 or schedule a complimentary assessment online.