Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common across the South East, and while many of us enjoy the sunshine, prolonged hot weather can quickly take its toll on our gardens. Lawns turn brown, plants begin to wilt, and even established trees can struggle when temperatures remain high for days on end.
At DH Tree Services, we’ve seen first-hand how periods of extreme heat can affect gardens and trees across Surrey, Sussex and Kent. The good news is that a few simple steps can help protect your plants and trees, and keep your garden looking its best throughout the summer months.
1. Water smarter, not more
One of the biggest mistakes people make during hot weather is watering little and often. This encourages shallow roots, making plants more vulnerable to drought. Instead, give your plants a thorough soak early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. This allows water to reach the roots before it evaporates in the midday sun. Deep watering every few days is usually far more effective than a quick daily sprinkle.
2. Add mulch to lock in moisture
Mulching is one of the simplest ways to protect your garden during a heatwave. A layer of bark chips, compost or well-rotted manure helps keep the soil cool, reduces evaporation and suppresses weeds that compete for water. Around 5cm is usually enough, but avoid piling mulch directly against stems or tree trunks.
3. Don’t panic if your lawn turns brown
A brown lawn doesn’t necessarily mean it’s dead. Grass naturally goes dormant during prolonged hot, dry weather and will often recover once rain returns. Instead of mowing as short as possible, raise your mower blades slightly to leave longer grass, which shades the soil and helps retain moisture.
4. Give young trees extra care
Young and newly planted trees are much more vulnerable to drought than mature specimens. Water deeply once or twice a week so moisture reaches the root system, rather than simply wetting the surface. Applying mulch around the base will also help lock in moisture, although it’s important to leave a gap around the trunk itself. If you notice curling leaves, early leaf drop or branches beginning to die back, your tree may be struggling with heat stress.
5. Avoid major pruning
It can be tempting to tidy the garden while the weather is nice, but heavy pruning during a heatwave can do more harm than good. Removing large branches or lots of foliage exposes plants and trees to more direct sunlight, increasing stress at a time when they’re already working hard to conserve moisture. Unless there’s an immediate safety concern, it’s usually best to leave significant tree work until cooler conditions return. If you’re unsure whether your trees would benefit from professional tree pruning, our experienced tree surgeons can assess their condition and recommend the most appropriate work for your garden.
6. Create some shade
Not every plant thrives in full sun. Container plants, vegetables and delicate flowers can all benefit from temporary shade during the hottest part of the afternoon. Moving pots into a sheltered spot or using shade netting can help reduce heat stress and prevent compost from drying out too quickly.
7. Keep an eye on your trees
Trees are often the most valuable feature in a garden, but prolonged periods of extreme heat can weaken even established specimens. Look out for excessive leaf drop, dead branches or signs that the soil around the roots has become extremely dry. Spotting problems early gives you the best chance of protecting your trees before long-term damage occurs. If you’re unsure whether a tree has been affected by the hot weather, it’s worth arranging a professional inspection.
Helping gardens across Surrey, Sussex and Kent
Looking after your garden during a heatwave doesn’t have to be complicated. By watering wisely, protecting your soil and giving young trees a little extra attention, you can help your garden stay healthy throughout even the hottest summer weather.
At DH Tree Services, we provide professional tree care for homeowners and businesses across Surrey, Sussex and Kent including Caterham, Gatwick and Haywards Heath. Whether you’re concerned about a tree that’s showing signs of heat stress, need expert pruning advice or would like a professional tree inspection, our experienced team is here to help keep your trees safe and healthy all year round.
If you’d like expert advice or would like to arrange a visit, get in touch with DH Tree Services today. We’re always happy to discuss your concerns and recommend the best solution for your trees and garden.
