Sunburns, Scorched Leaves & Sad Trees: Summer Stress Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Your Tree Might Be Screaming for Help: How To Spot Summer Tree Stress And What To Do About It

Let’s be real, Michigan summers aren’t scorching, but they are sneaky. One minute it’s breezy and beautiful, the next your lawn’s crunchy and your trees look like they’ve had a rough week.

If you’ve been feeling a little drained from the dry spells, your trees probably are too. They don’t get A/C, iced coffee, lemonades in the shade, or weekends at the lake— just sun, soil, and whatever water they can soak up.

If your tree could talk, it might say:

“Help! I'm hot, thirsty, and exhausted!”

If your trees are looking a little crispy, droopy, or just plain sad, they might be suffering from summer stress. Here’s how to spot the signs and what you can do to help them thrive (hint: Safari Tree’s got your back).

From crispy leaves to early leaf drop, your trees are sending signals. Let’s learn how to spot them — and what you can do to help them bounce back.

1. Leaf Scorch: The Crispy Clue

What Does it Look Like?

Leaves with brown, dry edges — especially on the outer parts of the tree. In more severe cases, entire leaves may curl or turn tan.

Why It Happens? 

When it’s hot and dry, your tree’s roots may struggle to absorb enough water to keep up with evaporation. The result? Leaves start to “fry” from the edges in, this is a classic sign your tree is thirsty and stressed. Hot temps + dry soil = thirsty trees. When roots can’t keep up with water loss, leaves start to burn.

What To Do?

1. Water deeply (not just a quick sprinkle). 
2. Mulch around the base of the tree to help the soil retain moisture.
3. Avoid pruning during heatwaves.
   
   Pro Tip: Water in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation. Want to give your tree an extra boost? Our Root Feeding Service delivers moisture and nutrients directly to the roots — right where your tree needs it most.

2. Sunscald: Yes, Trees Can Get Sunburned Too

What Does it Look Like?

Cracked, peeling, or discolored bark — especially on the south or southwest side of the trunk. 

Why It Happens? 

Intense sunlight heats up the bark during the day, then cools rapidly at night, causing damage. Sudden temperature swings between hot days and cool nights cause bark cells to rupture.

What To Do?

1. Wrap young or thin-barked trees in winter.
2. Keep them well-watered in summer to reduce stress.
3. Avoid over-pruning, which exposes bark to direct sun.
   
   Pro Tip: Think of hydration as sunscreen for your tree — it helps prevent damage from the inside out. A healthy, hydrated tree is more resilient to sun scald. That’s where our deep root watering comes in.
   

3. Wilting or Drooping Leaves 

What Does it Look Like?

Leaves that look limp, curled, or faded — even if they’re still green.

Why It Happens? 

Your tree is conserving moisture. It’s in survival mode and trying to say, "I'm tired and I need a drink."

What To Do?

1. Water slowly and deeply once or twice a week.
2. Check soil moisture by sticking your finger 2–3 inches into the ground. If it’s dry, it’s time to water.
   
   Pro Tip: A healthy, hydrated tree is more resilient to sunscald. That’s where our Deep Root Feeding comes in. It delivers water and nutrients directly to the root zone, where it matters most.

4. Early Leaf Drop 

What Does it Look Like?

Leaves falling in July or August? That’s not normal. That’s your tree waving a little red flag — and no, it’s not just getting a head start on autumn.

Why It Happens? 

When trees are stressed (think: heat, drought, or poor soil conditions), they sometimes drop leaves early to conserve energy — kind of like hitting the snooze button on summer.

What To Do?

1. Don't panic — but do act.
2. Consistent watering and root feeding can help your tree recover before fall.

A little care now can make a big difference later. Your tree will thank you with stronger roots and a full canopy when the real fall rolls around. 

How Safari Tree Can Help

We’re not just tree huggers, we’re tree helpers. When summer stress hits hard, our Deep Root Feeding Service steps in to deliver water and nutrients right where your tree needs it most — deep in the root zone.

Here's What That Means For Your Trees:  

• Stronger roots that grow deeper and healthier.
• Better drought tolerance when the rain won’t come.
• Happier, healthier trees all year long.
  
  

And we don’t stop there. We're here to help you protect your landscape and help your trees live their best life! Think of us as your trees' personal wellness coach, here to keep them thriving, not just surviving. 

Our Tree TLC Toolkit Includes:

• Deep Root Watering – Hydrates below the surface, where roots actually drink.
• Root Feeding – Delivers nutrients to boost recovery and resilience.
• Expert Tree Care – We know Michigan trees and how to help them through tough summers.

Don't Wait To Fix a Stressed Tree.

Give your trees the care they need now — and they’ll thank you with vibrant leaves and strong roots come autumn.

Don’t let your trees suffer in silence. Schedule a Tree Health Check with Safari Tree today and give your trees the relief they deserve.