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How to Care for Your Trees in Summer: A Complete Guide from Advanced Tree Care Arborists (Including Drought Watering)

July 25, 2025 by Sofiia Protasova

Summer brings sunshine and warmth, but for your trees, it can be a real challenge. Heat, droughts, and unexpected summer storms significantly impact their health and safety. At Advanced Tree Care, we believe that professional tree care is not a one-time service, but a long-term partnership. Our certified arborists with over 150 years of combined experience help trees thrive every day, and we want to share our best advice to ensure your green assets remain healthy, beautiful, and safe.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover what to look out for during summer, how to effectively care for your trees, and delve into the key aspects of proper watering during drought conditions, based on our previous blog ‘How to Water Trees Properly During a Drought.’

1. Proper Watering in Heat and Drought: A Complete Guide for Healthy Trees

Proper tree watering is the most crucial factor for tree survival and health in summer, especially during dry periods. Our experienced arborists emphasize the importance of smart and effective irrigation.

Here are some key takeaways:

How Much to Water: The amount of water depends on the tree’s size and soil type. Our tree care expertsrecommend using a deep hydration method, checking soil moisture 6-8 inches deep.

When to Water: The optimal time for watering trees is early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation.

How to Water: Ensure deep, slow watering so that water penetrates deeply to the tree’s root system. Avoid frequent, shallow watering, which can encourage surface root growth.

Advanced Tree Care crew performs trees watering in Winnetka — During this summer, our team was performing the watering in the village of Winnetka

For comprehensive information and all the nuances of proper tree watering during a drought read the blog post “How to Water Trees Properly During a Drought: A Complete Guide for Homeowners, Gardeners, and Landscape Designers”. You can find it at https://advanced-treecare.com/how-to-water-trees-properly-during-drought/.

2. Mulching: The Key to Retaining Moisture and Soil Health

Add a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulates soil temperature, and prevents the growth of weeds that compete with trees for water and nutrients.

Our arborists remind you: mulch should not be piled directly against the tree trunk (“mulch volcano”) to avoid rot and pest issues. Leave a small space.

Incorrect mulching volcano — A visual example of what NOT to do: The Mulch Volcano

3. Monitoring for Tree Pests and Diseases

Regularly inspect tree leaves, branches, and trunks for signs of problems. Summer is an active period for many tree pests and fungal diseases. Early detection is key to successful tree treatment and preventing problem spread.

Look for discoloration of leaves, unusual growths, presence of insects, or sap on the trunk. When in doubt, consult a professional arborist.

4. Preparing Trees for Summer Storms: Ensuring Safety

Prevention is the best protection for your trees and property. Strong summer storms can cause significant damage. Regularly inspect trees for weak, cracked, or broken branches that could break off in strong winds.

If you have large trees near buildings, parking areas, or play areas, a professional tree inspection is recommended to assess risks and remove potentially hazardous branches. This will ensure the safety of your property.

Advanced Tree Care Emergency Tree Removal — Recent storm damage and our crew

Caring for trees in summer is an important investment in their long-term health and the beauty of your property. We hope our tree care tips, as well as the detailed drought watering guide, help you preserve your green assets.

As we always say, Advanced Tree Care is here to be your reliable tree care partners. Our 20 years of experience and knowledge are at your service.

Need help or a professional arborist consultation regarding your trees? Contact Advanced Tree Care today, and we’ll gladly provide a free tree inspection!

Was this article helpful? Share it with friends and neighbors who also care about the health of their trees!

How to Water Trees Properly During a Drought: A Complete Guide for Homeowners, Gardeners, and Landscape Designers

June 2, 2025 by Sofiia Protasova

Why Trees Need Special Care During a Drought

When there’s no rain for several weeks and temperatures rise above 30°C (86°F), the soil dries out quickly. Trees — especially young ones — often can’t absorb enough moisture to maintain healthy growth. This can lead to:

Plant stress
Reduced photosynthesis
Stunted growth
Leaf drop
Root death

Even mature trees with well-developed root systems can lose branches or become vulnerable to pests and diseases.

How to Water Trees Effectively in the Heat

Water Deeply
Target the root zone, which for most trees lies 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) underground. Surface watering only moistens the top 2–4 inches and doesn’t benefit the tree.

Where to Water
Do not water at the base of the trunk. Instead, water along the “drip line” — the area under the edge of the tree’s canopy where active roots are located.

Watering Frequency

Tree Type	Age	Frequency
Saplings	Up to 2 yrs	2–3 times per week
Young Trees	2–5 yrs	1–2 times per week
Mature Trees	5+ yrs	Every 10–14 days

Note: Sandy soils drain faster and require more frequent watering.

Amount of Water
General rule: 2.5 gallons (10 liters) per inch of trunk diameter. For example, a tree with a 4-inch trunk needs about 10–15 gallons (40–60 liters) per watering.

Best Time to Water Trees

Water early in the morning (before 9:00 AM) or in the evening (after 6:00 PM). Avoid watering in the midday heat when most water evaporates. Midday leaf watering can cause leaf burns due to the lens effect of water droplets.

Should You Water Tree Leaves?

This is a controversial topic:

When it’s helpful:

In the early morning or evening to remove dust and cool young saplings
In greenhouses or containers with controlled humidity

When to avoid:

During midday heat — risk of leaf burn
When humidity is high — can cause fungal diseases
For mature trees — not effective for hydration

Conclusion: Leaf misting is optional and mostly aesthetic. True hydration must come through root watering.

Mulching: The Secret to Moisture Retention

Benefits of mulch around trees:

Retains moisture
Prevents root overheating
Reduces weed competition
Improves soil structure

Best mulch materials:

Wood chips
Straw
Leaves
Compost

How to apply: Lay mulch 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) deep. Leave a 4–6 inch (10–15 cm) gap around the trunk to prevent bark rot.

Most Common Watering Mistakes

Watering at midday when evaporation is highest
Frequent shallow watering that promotes weak roots
No mulch or mulch touching the trunk
Watering visually without checking soil moisture
Spraying leaves during heat of the day

Expert Tips from Advanced Tree Care

Customize a watering schedule for your specific trees
Check your soil type — sandy, clay, or loam
Don’t delay mulching — do it early in summer
Monitor tree health and soil moisture regularly
Use drip systems or slow soaker hoses whenever possible

Need Help? Advanced Tree Care is here for you. We offer expert advice, diagnosis, pruning, tree protection, and full-service tree care — done with love.

Spring Tree Care in Illinois: Expert Tips

April 28, 2025 by Sofiia Protasova

As spring is already in Illinois, it’s the perfect time to take care of your trees after a harsh winter. Snow, ice, and strong winds can cause significant damage to trees. That’s why it’s important to give them the right care so they can recover and be ready for the warmer months.

At Advanced Tree Care, we want to share some tips for spring tree care to keep your trees healthy, beautiful, and strong. Let’s take a look at why it’s important to care for your trees this spring.

Why is Spring Pruning Important for Trees?

Spring is the best time for pruning trees. Here’s why:

Tree Health: Pruning helps remove dead or damaged branches, allowing the tree to focus its energy on healthy growth.
Preparing for Summer: Thinning and pruning allow the tree to grow strong and beautiful during the warmer months.
Disease Prevention: Pruning lowers the risk of diseases because infected parts of the tree are removed, allowing air to circulate more freely.

Spring is the perfect time for sanitary and shaping pruning, especially for trees that have suffered winter damage or storm damage.

*Before and after tree trimming pictures*

How to Care for Trees in Different North Shore Cities and Northwest Suburbs?

Tree care can differ depending on the area. Here are some tips for various North Shore cities:

Evanston: In this area, old oaks and elms require special attention. If you have older trees, it’s a good idea to reach out to a local arborist in Evanston to ensure proper pruning.
Winnetka and Wilmette: These areas feature a lot of ornamental trees that often require more care in terms of shaping and form. Taking care of these trees will help preserve their aesthetic appearance.
Highland Park and Lake Forest: In these regions, large trees are common and can suffer from wind damage during the winter. Pruning and checking for damage will help ensure the safety and health of your trees.

Northwest Suburbs

Schaumburg: Many fast-growing species benefit from crown thinning and selective pruning to prevent overcrowding.
Round Lake: Trees near lakes and open fields may experience wind damage — regular spring inspection is essential.
McHenry: This area has a mix of old-growth trees and new landscaping — both benefit from fertilization and pruning to ensure longevity.

Our local arborists work with each client individually to determine the best tree care strategy.

Types of Spring Tree Care You Should Perform

Here are some of the main tree care services that need to be done in spring:

Trimming & Pruning: This process removes extra branches so that the tree can grow evenly and beautifully. Proper pruning helps maintain the structure of the tree and encourages healthy growth.

Removing Dead Branches: Damaged branches can become a safety hazard, so it’s important to remove them to prevent them from falling. This is crucial for keeping your yard and property safe.

Checking for Diseases and Pests: Inspect your tree for signs of fungi, pests, or diseases that could damage it. Early detection can help prevent further issues and keep your tree healthy.

Fertilizing: Spring is the perfect time to fertilize your trees, especially if they need extra nutrients to encourage healthy growth after winter.

Branch Cabling: If your tree has weak or poorly structured branches, cabling can provide extra support to prevent them from breaking during storms or high winds.

Tree Removal: In some cases, a tree may be too damaged or diseased to be saved. If a tree is posing a danger to your property or nearby structures, removal might be necessary. Professional tree removal ensures safety and prevents any potential risks.

Examples of Our Work

Check out our photos and videos to see how we help trees recover and look great.

Here’s how our team performed tree pruning in Buffalo Grove.

Buffalo Grove Tree Cleanup | Advanced Tree Care Crew in Action!
🌳 Keeping Buffalo Grove Clean & Safe! 🌳 After trimming trees for the Village of Buffalo Grove, our cleanup team—Joseph, Florencio, and Oliver—works hard to ensure every last branch and leaf is cleared away. Their dedication keeps properties looking great and streets safe! Why cleanup matters: – Prevents leftover branches from causing hazards – Keeps yards, sidewalks, and streets neat – Ensures a polished, professional finish A huge thank you to Joseph, Florencio, and Oliver for their hard work and attention to detail! 👏 Your efforts make a real difference in keeping our community safe and beautiful. 📞 Need professional tree care? Call us at 847-587-8500—we’re happy to help! #AdvancedTreeCare #BuffaloGrove #TreeTrimming #TreeService #ProfessionalCare #SafeAndClean #IllinoisTrees #TreeCare #Arborist #TreeRemoval #TreePruning #CleanUpCrew #ProfessionalService #HealthyTrees #UrbanForestry #EcoFriendly #SafetyFirstPosted by Advanced Tree Care on Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Why It’s Important to Hire Certified Arborists

A professional arborist is someone with the experience and knowledge to properly care for your trees. Here’s why you should hire a pro:

Safety: Pruning trees without the proper skills can lead to safety hazards for you and your property. Professionals work safely.
Tree Health Assessment: Only a certified arborist can accurately assess the condition of your tree and determine whether it needs additional care.

Preserving Tree Health: Professional care ensures that your tree remains healthy and beautiful, without harm.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Ready to take care of your trees this spring? Advanced Tree Care offers free consultations for residents of Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park, Northbrook and other North Shore cities and Northwest suburbs. Our experts can help with pruning, trimming, fertilizing, treating diseases and pests, tree removal and other services to keep your trees healthy.

Call us at 847-587-8500 or fill out the form on our website to schedule your free consultation. Let’s work together to ensure the health of your trees!

“Timber!” could be a rather alarming call to hear in the middle of your neighborhood. Trees are beautiful but can also be dangerous if they are not removed when they have become diseased or damaged beyond repair. Property, people, and pets can all be at risk if a tree is not removed safely.

In this article, we will cover the reasons you might require tree removal, and what to look for when hiring a tree care company.

Reasons to remove your tree

Excellent tree care and maintenance will help your tree live a long and healthy life, but life is unpredictable, and your trees can still become damaged or diseased. At this point, your tree can become a danger to your home, family, and other trees, and you need to remove the tree as quickly as possible.

#1: A dead tree

Dead trees will stand out from the rest of your healthy trees. Lack of foliage, large portions of missing bark, big cracks or splits, evidence of fungal growth on the tree, and sudden leaning of your tree are all signs that your tree is dead and needs to be removed.

#2: Severe tree disease

Some trees can be saved from disease and infestation, while others are too far gone. Signs of trees that are too far gone include weakened branches and foliage, hollowed-out trunks, and lack of healthy new leaf growth.

#3: Damage

Strong winds, storms, or lightning strikes can damage otherwise healthy trees, turning them into a hazard that needs to be addressed. Large splits, peeling, broken branches, burnt bark, and evidence of the tree dying such as dead leaves and lack of new growth are all signs you need to pay attention to.

In addition to these reasons, you may need to remove a tree if it is growing too close to your home or driveway, the roots can cause damage to your foundation, driveway, sidewalks, or sewer and plumbing lines. Additionally, trees too close to power lines or other trees need to be removed to avoid future problems.

What to consider when hiring a tree removal company

Tree removal is not something to be taken lightly. The safety of your home, family, and neighbors depends on choosing the right company. Here is what you need to look for.

#1: Licensing and certification

Look for a tree removal company that is licensed and certified by organizations like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). These organizations set standards and expectations for quality, professionalism, and safety that are vital to safe tree removal.

#2: Insurances

Sometimes things still go wrong (again, life is unpredictable). If something does go wrong, and property is damaged or even worse, someone is hurt, who is going to pay for it? You need to verify that the tree care company you hire has proper insurance in place, so you are protected from damage and injuries.

#3: Expertise

Many people will say they can remove a tree, but you don’t want just anyone heading into your yard right next to your home with a bunch of power tools. Look for a company that has proven its experience, and expertise, and has a track record of satisfied customers.

#4: Standards

Safety is the top priority for tree removal. A tree care company with professionalism and expertise will follow the industry safety standards and use the proper gear and equipment to protect its workers and you.

#5: Estimates

Look for a company that will give you a detailed estimate for the entire project. Make sure you understand the setup, removal, and cleanup process and what exactly you are paying for.

Tree removal is sometimes a necessity, especially in residential areas where homes and people are easily at risk from falling trees. Do your research and find an expert tree care company that is licensed, uses the proper equipment, is insured, and will list the exact scope of the project when removing your tree.

Looking for expert advice and help on when and how to remove your trees? We can help. Advanced Tree Care combines top-notch equipment, cutting-edge technology, and well-trained staff to provide emergency tree removal and tree maintenance services. With a presence in nine counties and two states, we work daily to provide unparalleled customer service, safety, and efficiency—as well as the expertise to beautify your landscaping and community. Advanced Tree Care isn’t just our name — it’s also our purpose!