How to Protect Your Trees from Drought Stress During Hot Illinois Summers

Practical Tips from the Experts at Tree Care Enterprises

When summer heatwaves roll through Northern Illinois, your trees can suffer in silence. Drought stress is a serious threat to tree health—especially during prolonged periods of hot, dry weather. At Tree Care Enterprises, we’ve seen firsthand how drought can weaken even the most established trees in Rockford, Machesney Park, Loves Park, and surrounding areas.

How Tree Care Enterprises Can Help

For over 45 years, Tree Care Enterprises has been helping Illinois homeowners and property managers protect their trees from harsh summer conditions. We offer a full range of solutions designed to keep your trees strong, hydrated, and resilient, including:

• Deep root watering and fertilization
  
  
• Soil analysis and amendment
  
  
• Mulching and moisture retention strategies
  
  
• Insect and disease prevention
  
  
• Certified arborist assessments
  
  
• Emergency tree care
  
  

Whether you’re seeing signs of drought stress or want to prevent damage before it starts, our experienced team can create a custom tree health plan for your property.

What Is Drought Stress in Trees?

Drought stress happens when a tree loses more water through its leaves than it can absorb through its roots. This imbalance can trigger a range of problems, including:

• Leaf scorch and browning
  
  
• Early leaf drop
  
  
• Stunted growth
  
  
• Increased vulnerability to pests and diseases
  
  
• Structural decline or death in severe cases
  
  

In Northern Illinois—where summer temps often soar into the 90s and rainfall is inconsistent—drought stress is an increasing concern for tree owners.

Signs Your Trees Are Suffering from Drought Stress

Spotting drought stress early is key to protecting your landscape. Watch for these symptoms:

• Wilting or curling leaves
  
  
• Brown or scorched leaf edges
  
  
• Premature leaf drop
  
  
• Sparse or thinning canopy
  
  
• Cracked bark or trunk
  
  
• Slow or stunted growth
  
  

If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to call in our certified arborists for a professional evaluation.

5 Ways to Prevent Drought Stress in Your Trees

Here are five essential ways you can support your trees through hot, dry summers:

1. Water Deeply and Consistently

Skip the light sprinkles. Trees need a slow, deep soak that reaches 12–18 inches below the surface. Water once or twice a week—more frequently during heatwaves—and aim for early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.

💡 Pro tip: Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system for even coverage and water conservation.

2. Apply Organic Mulch

Add a 2–4 inch layer of mulch (wood chips or shredded bark) around the base of your tree, leaving a few inches of space around the trunk. Mulching:

• Locks in soil moisture
  
  
• Regulates soil temperature
  
  
• Suppresses weeds
  
  
• Enriches the soil over time
  
  

3. Avoid Over-Pruning During Summer

Pruning too aggressively in the summer can stress your tree even more. Limit pruning to dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and save larger structural cuts for fall or early spring.

4. Use Fertilizer Wisely

Drought-stressed trees are more sensitive to salt and chemicals. If you fertilize, choose a slow-release, organic fertilizer—or better yet, let our experts customize a treatment based on your soil’s needs.

5. Schedule a Tree Health Check

Sometimes, the best action is a proactive one. Our certified arborists can assess the health of your trees and recommend services like:

• Deep root watering
  
  
• Soil conditioning
  
  
• Pest and disease control
  
  
• Growth regulators

Why Tree Health Matters During Illinois Summers

Healthy trees offer far more than beauty—they provide shade, improve air quality, reduce energy bills, and increase property value. In communities like Rockton, Cherry Valley, Pecatonica, and beyond, mature trees are a vital part of neighborhood health and climate resilience.

Trust Northern Illinois’ Most Experienced Tree Care Team

For over 45 years, Tree Care Enterprises has been the go-to tree service for homeowners and property managers across Winnebago County and surrounding areas. We understand the unique challenges of Midwest summers and are here to protect your trees from the ground up.