As summer heats up in Kansas City, so do the risks to your trees. While warmer weather can promote growth, it can also stress your trees—especially if they’re not getting the care they need. Unfortunately, many homeowners unintentionally do more harm than good during the summer months by following outdated practices or neglecting key maintenance tasks.
At Grade-A Tree Care, we want to help you avoid costly damage and keep your trees thriving all season long. Below are some of the most common summer tree care mistakes—and what to do instead.
Mistake #1: Overwatering or Underwatering
Why It’s a Problem:
Watering too much can suffocate roots, while too little can lead to drought stress. Inconsistent watering can also weaken trees over time.
How to Avoid It:
Use deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root growth. Trees typically need about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. Early morning is the best time to water to minimize evaporation and fungal risk.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Pest Activity
Why It’s a Problem:
Summer is peak season for pests like Japanese beetles, bagworms, and Emerald Ash Borer. Many infestations go unnoticed until the damage is widespread.
How to Avoid It:
Conduct weekly tree checks to look for signs of pests, such as skeletonized leaves, unusual leaf discoloration, or small holes in the bark. If you’re unsure, schedule a free inspection with our Plant Health Care team.
Mistake #3: Poor Mulching Practices
Why It’s a Problem:
Piling mulch against the trunk (a.k.a. “volcano mulching”) can lead to rot, disease, and pest issues.
How to Avoid It:
Apply 2–3 inches of mulch in a wide ring around the base of the tree, keeping it 2–4 inches away from the trunk. Mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature—but only if applied correctly.
Mistake #4: Delaying Pruning Until It’s Too Late
Why It’s a Problem:
Dead or damaged limbs are especially dangerous during summer storms. Waiting too long to prune increases the risk of property damage or injury.
How to Avoid It:
While heavy pruning should be done in winter or early spring, summer is the right time to remove dead or hazardous branches. Our team can assess and safely prune problem limbs before they become dangerous.
Mistake #5: Skipping Fertilization
Why It’s a Problem:
Many homeowners believe fertilization is only for spring. In reality, summer is a critical time to support stressed trees, especially in urban environments with poor soil quality.
How to Avoid It:
Fertilize based on your tree’s specific needs and soil condition. Our team offers deep root fertilization services that deliver nutrients directly where trees need them most.
Mistake #6: Relying on One-Time Treatments
Why It’s a Problem:
Tree health isn’t a “set it and forget it” task. Pests, diseases, and weather-related stress require ongoing attention—not just a single spray or trim.
How to Avoid It:
Enroll in our Plant Health Care Program to get regular inspections, targeted treatments, and proactive care that keeps your trees healthy through every season.
Protect Your Trees This Summer—The Right Way
Tree care in the summer takes more than good intentions. With the right approach, you can prevent common issues and support long-term growth.
Need expert advice or help getting started? Call Grade-A Tree Care at 816-214-6255 or visit gradeatree.com to schedule your free tree inspection.
Your trees—and your property—deserve Grade-A care this summer.
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