Essential Summer Tree Care for South Florida: Heat, Storm & Pest Protection

Summer in South Florida isn’t just about beach days, poolside relaxation, or jumping from AC to AC – it’s also the season when your trees and outdoor plants need the most care. With temperatures soaring past the 90s, outrageous humidity levels, and the looming threat of hurricane season on the horizon, proper summer tree care is critical for homeowners across Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties.

The good news is, with the right summer tree care strategy, you can help them not only survive but thrive through these challenges.

Key Takeaways

• During the exceptionally hot and humid summer months, South Florida trees are more susceptible to heat and drought stress, storm threat, and pest damage.
• Because of inconsistent rainfall, proper watering is essential in keeping your trees hydrated; apply one inch of water per square foot within the drip line once per week in deep, slow sessions.
• Remove deadwood and dead palm fronds during early summer as part of your hurricane preparation, but be careful to avoid “hurricane cuts” that remove healthy tissue and weaken the tree.
• South Florida’s heat and humidity accelerate pest reproduction cycles, making weekly inspections and early professional intervention essential for tree health.
• The best summer tree care strategy is to stay on top of your trees’ needs and focus on preventative care measures when possible.

Summer Conditions That Impact South Florida Trees

Our summer climate creates a unique combination of challenges that can quickly overwhelm even the healthiest trees on your property:

• Extreme Heat and Drought Stress: Consistent temperatures above 90°F coupled with irregular rainfall create conditions where trees lose moisture faster than they can absorb it. When coupled with extremely high temperatures and a relentless burning sun that contributes to heat stress, these conditions set the stage for the perfect tree-weakening domino effect.
• Hurricane and Tropical Storm Threats: Dead branches, overgrown palm fronds, and structurally compromised trees become dangerous projectiles in high winds. And with NOAA forecasting a 60% chance of above-normal hurricane activity for 2025, proper preventative maintenance – in the form of timely deadwood removal services – is critical.
• Increased Pest and Disease Activity: Summer in South Florida creates a perfect storm for tree pests,: the combination of high temperatures, humidity, and already-stressed trees provide the perfect breeding ground for insect reproduction and feeding.

4 Things You Can Do to Help Your South Florida Trees This Summer

Just because summer has rolled around once again does not mean all hope is lost for your trees. By taking the time to understand your trees’ struggles and needs throughout these difficult months, you can help protect them from undue damage and yourself from costly cleanup or removal services.

Here are the four best things you can do to support and care for your trees all summer long:

1. Properly Water Your Trees

Implement deep, infrequent watering to encourage strong, deep root growth rather than shallow surface roots. This means providing deep watering sessions, allowing the water to penetrate 12-18 inches into the soil, where tree roots have a better chance of accessing it during dry periods.

Summer Watering Tips for Trees in South Florida

Effective summer tree watering goes far beyond simply turning on a sprinkler. Our region’s unique conditions require specific techniques that encourage deep root growth while maximizing water efficiency.

Consider the following tree watering schedule:

• Mature Trees (established for two years or more): Water with about 10 gallons per inch of trunk diameter, once or twice per week during hot, dry weather.
• Newly Planted Trees: Two to three times per week of deep soaking sessions; usually between 15-20 gallons per session depending on tree size.
• Palm Trees: Apply water in weekly sessions of 20-30 gallons concentrated on the root zone.

A few more tips:

• Test the Soil Moisture: Before watering, dig a hole six to nine inches deep. If the soil is moist and cool, you can hold off on watering.
• Optimal Timing: Water your trees earlier in the morning (between 6:00 and 8:00 a.m.) to minimize evaporation losses and allow ideal moisture absorption before the heat peaks.
• Focus on the Drip Line: Apply water at the drip line (where branches end) rather than at the trunk to encourage proper root expansion.

2. Apply Mulch to Retain Moisture

Apply two to four inches of mulch in a circle around the tree trunk that extends out to the drip line, keeping it an inch or two away from the trunk to prevent rot and pest problems. Organic mulch (as opposed to synthetic materials) helps to regulate soil temperature, retain soil moisture, and prevent weed growth.

3. Schedule Professional Deadwood Removal and/or Storm Risk Assessment

While removing small dead branches or determining storm susceptibility might seem manageable, deadwood removal and tree risk assessments are best performed by trained professionals who are familiar with South Florida trees and their environment.

Why Deadwood/Dead Frond Removal Is Critical Before Hurricane Season

Dead branches and palm fronds become dangerous projectiles when hurricane-force winds strike South Florida, making proper palm tree trimming – both in timing and approach – super important.

In the 2024 season, Hurricane Milton alone spawned forty-five tornadoes – breaking the state’s record for the most twisters generated by a single hurricane and illustrating the unpredictable and extreme wind patterns that accompany hurricanes.

DID YOU KNOW? Though palm trees define our regional landscape, they require specialized care to withstand hurricane winds. Contrary to popular belief, “hurricane cuts” that remove all fronds prior to storm season actually weaken palms and make them more vulnerable to damage.

4. Keep an Eye Out for Tree Pests

Establish a weekly inspection schedule during the summer months (July-September) where you check for new growth and the undersides of leaves where insects hide out, as well as evidence of boring insects in the trunk, and increased sap production.

The following tree pests are commonly spotted in South Florida – especially when the heat and humidity increase in the summer:

• Palm Leaf Skeletonizer
• Palmetto Weevil
• Royal Palm Bugs
• Scale Insects
• Aphids
• Bark Beetles
• Whiteflies

Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Tree Care in South Florida

Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about summer tree care in Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties:

When is the best time of year to schedule deadwood removal services?

It’s best to begin any deadwood removal by early to mid-summer – well before peak hurricane season begins (August-October). Last-minute storm preparation is dangerous and often impossible due to high winds and emergency service restrictions.

Can I trim my palm trees myself to prepare for hurricane season?

While small, obviously dead fronds can be removed by homeowners, extensive palm trimming should be left to professionals. ISA Certified Arborists understand proper palm pruning techniques that maintain the tree’s natural wind resistance, while still reducing hazard risk.

How do I know if my tree has pest problems or is just stressed from heat?

Heat stress typically shows as temporary wilting during the hottest parts of the day with recovery overnight. Pest problems often include sticky honeydew residue, visible insects, unusual holes in bark or leaves, or damage that doesn’t improve with proper watering.

For the Best Professional Summer Tree Care in South Florida, Trust Sherlock Tree Company

Summer in South Florida doesn’t have to mean gambling with your trees’ health and your property’s safety. With proper watering techniques, proactive storm preparation, and vigilant pest monitoring, you can help your trees thrive through the season’s most challenging conditions while protecting your home and family from potential storm damage.

Don’t wait for the next storm or pest outbreak to threaten your trees. Contact Sherlock Tree Company at 954-788-4000 today for a comprehensive summer tree care assessment, so you can get back to relaxing by the water.