Summers in the Phoenix Valley are no joke. With temperatures often soaring above 110°F, trees in Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and Peoria face extreme stress during the hottest months of the year. Even the toughest desert species can struggle to survive if they’re not properly cared for.

At AZ Trees, we help Arizona homeowners protect their landscapes from the harsh desert heat. Here are some expert tips to help your trees stay strong, green, and healthy all summer long.

Deep Watering Is Key

One of the most common mistakes Arizona homeowners make is shallow watering. Quick surface watering doesn’t reach the root zone, leaving trees thirsty and weak.

Instead, focus on deep watering:

• Water slowly and deeply every 7–10 days during peak summer.

• Use a drip system or soaker hose that penetrates at least 2–3 feet into the soil.

• Avoid watering the trunk directly — instead, water the root zone beneath the canopy.

This encourages deep root growth, making your trees more resilient to heat and drought.

Mulch to Lock in Moisture

Mulching is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your trees from the Arizona sun. A 2–4 inch layer of organic mulch (like wood chips or bark) helps:

• Retain soil moisture

• Keep roots cooler

• Reduce soil evaporation

• Suppress weeds that compete for water

Just be sure to keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot or pest problems.

Shade Young or Sensitive Trees

Even desert-adapted trees like Palo Verde or Mesquite can suffer from sunburn when they’re young. Shade cloth, burlap, or temporary shade screens can help protect them from the intense afternoon sun — especially when temperatures spike above 110°F.

For young citrus, ficus, or ornamental trees, consider:

• Wrapping trunks with tree wrap or white latex paint to prevent sunscald

• Using shade mesh (30–50%) during the hottest part of the day

• Removing shade gradually in the fall once temperatures drop

Avoid Heavy Pruning in Summer

Pruning during high heat can stress your trees and expose tender bark to direct sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn. The best time to prune most Arizona trees is late winter or early spring, before the extreme heat sets in.

If you must prune in summer:

• Only remove dead or damaged limbs

• Avoid thinning the canopy too much — the extra leaves help shade and protect the trunk

Professional arborists can determine the best time and technique for your specific trees to ensure they stay strong and balanced.

Watch for Signs of Heat Stress

Even with proper care, trees can show signs of stress during extreme heat waves. Keep an eye out for:

• Wilting or curling leaves

• Yellowing or browning leaf tips

• Early leaf drop

• Cracked or sunburned bark

Catching these symptoms early allows for quick action — like adjusting watering schedules or providing temporary shade — before the damage becomes severe.

Call the Experts for Summer Tree Care

Arizona summers are tough on trees, but with the right care, your landscape can thrive year after year. If your trees are struggling or you’re unsure how to protect them properly, it’s time to call the professionals.

AZ Trees offers expert tree trimming, deep root watering, palm tree maintenance, and arborist consultations across the Valley — including Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Goodyear, Glendale, and beyond.

Call today at 480-794-0706 to schedule your free estimate!