The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map serves as the go-to guide for gardeners and growers to identify which perennial plants are best suited to thrive in a specific area. It’s based on the average annual extreme minimum winter temperatures, categorized into 10°F zones and further divided into 5°F subzones.
Leave a mulch-free ring around the base of the trunk — at least 12 inches in diameter. Mulch should be two to four inches thick but never piled against the trunk.
cause conditions can change in a flash, and your tree’s health can deteriorate just as quickly. DIG WIDE AND SHALLOW Regardless of region, your young tree needs to focus its first few years on establishing a deep and resilient root system. This root system should grow downward, away from the heat-stressed surface. The care you provide in the first few months can either support or undermine that process. MULCH WITH PURPOSE Mulching helps prevent moisture loss during the heat of the day. “A two-to-three-inch layer of mulch helps conserve moisture, keeps the temperature stable, and keeps weeds down,” said Lisa Tadewalt, tree care ex- pert and founder of Urban Forest Pro . “The key is to keep that mulch away from the trunk.”
Ivanov, a planting expert at Fantas- tic Services . “Tree shelters or trunk guards can protect young bark from sunscald and excessive evaporation.” Tim Spence of Arborist Halifax agrees that anticipating weather extremes and protecting the plant accordingly is critical. “Wind is another factor that gets over- looked,” Spence said. “It can dry foliage and soil quickly. Watch for signs of wa- ter stress, such as wilting or drooping leaves, and adjust accordingly.” Fortunately, no matter your zone or cli- mate, most arborists agree on several best practices when planting in the summer. THINK LIKE YOUR TREE IS ALREADY IN TROUBLE Planting in summer is a high-stakes process — more like roasting marsh- mallows over a blazing fire than baking cookies. You must watch closely, be-
Hot conditions and wind can rapidly dry out foliage and soil. Stay alert for signs of water stress like wilting or drooping leaves and die-back.
50 | Summer 2025 ArborTIMES ™
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