May 2, 2025, 8:54 am | Read time: 2 minutes
They filter pollutants, provide shade, and offer a home for animals. However, during particularly hot summers, garden trees need extra care. By following these three maintenance tips, you can ensure your trees remain healthy and resilient.
Trees play crucial roles for people and the environment — proper care keeps them healthy even in hot years. The German Nature Conservation Association (NABU) offers tips on tree care and explains how to water, fertilize, and prune correctly.
1. Water Adequately — but Correctly
Garden trees should be watered intensively once a week rather than daily in small amounts. This allows water to penetrate deeper soil layers. At least 50 liters of water per tree should be used per watering session. Ideal times are early morning or evening.
When watering, NABU recommends applying water slowly around the root area so it can soak in before adding more. It is helpful to loosen the soil a bit beforehand.
2. The Right Nutrients for Tree Care
If a tree lacks water or nutrients, it can lead to limp leaves and increased pest infestation. For simple fertilization, NABU recommends mature compost and algae lime. Fertilization is done beneath the tree canopy.
If grass grows there, the fertilizer should be mixed with water and thoroughly soaked in beforehand. This measure can be repeated every two years to maintain the tree’s vitality.
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3. Pruning Only with Consideration for Breeding Seasons
Regular pruning helps trees stay healthy and strong. Especially for fruit trees, an open structure is important. You should remove branches that are too close together or crossing to allow light to reach every part of the tree. It is important to use clean and sharp tools.
However, NABU points out the current breeding season. If you want to prune now, note that only small pruning tasks are allowed. Before pruning, always check shrubs for occupied nests.
With material from dpa