49 Days Average Over 100°? Arborists Say Trees Need a Different Kind of Care

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Austin’s Heat Streak Has Experts Recommending a New Tree Care Routine

Leander, United States – August 18, 2025 / Tree Scouts Tree Service /

With Austin averaging 49 triple-digit days each year and this summer already delivering weeks of intense heat, local arborists are encouraging residents to rethink late-summer tree care. Instead of reaching for the pruning saw, experts recommend a more supportive approach that helps trees recover from heat stress and prepares them for a strong start next spring.

“In the hottest part of the year, trees are already working hard just to maintain basic functions,” says Erek Williams, Certified Arborist and Co-Founder of Tree Scouts Tree Service. “Heavy pruning right now can add unnecessary stress. The goal in August should be to help trees conserve energy, stay hydrated, and build resilience for the seasons ahead.”

Why Major Pruning Can Wait

Tree Scouts advises that most major pruning in Central Texas is best reserved for the cooler months — typically late winter for many species. This timing allows trees to heal more efficiently and reduces the risk of exposing vulnerable tissue to extreme heat.

In August, removing too much live foliage can limit a tree’s ability to photosynthesize, store energy, and shade itself from the scorching sun. That loss of canopy can also make soil temperatures rise, putting root systems under additional strain.

For homeowners looking to schedule pruning later in the year, Tree Scouts offers a detailed homeowner’s guide, Improper Pruning Shortens Tree Lifespan, which explains how certain cuts can weaken trees over time and what to do instead.

What To Focus on This August

While heavy cuts can wait, there are still valuable steps to take now to keep trees healthy through the tail end of summer:

1. Deep Watering

Water slowly and deeply once or twice a week, allowing moisture to penetrate 6–12 inches into the soil. This encourages roots to grow deeper and improves drought tolerance.

2. Mulching

Apply a 2–4 inch layer of organic mulch under the drip line (but not against the trunk) to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce weed competition.

3. Pest and Disease Checks

Hot, dry conditions can stress trees, making them more susceptible to pests like spider mites and scale. Inspect leaves and branches regularly and address issues early.

4. Planning Ahead

Use this time to schedule a certified arborist consultation for fall or winter pruning. By planning ahead, you ensure your trees get the right care at the right time — avoiding the last-minute rush when storm season approaches.

Looking at the Big Picture

“Good tree care is about timing and technique,” Williams explains. “By adapting your approach to the season, you’re not only protecting the health of individual trees but also helping preserve Austin’s canopy for the future.”

Healthy trees offer more than beauty — they provide shade that lowers energy bills, reduces stormwater runoff, and contributes to cleaner air. In a city known for its live oaks, pecans, and cedar elms, maintaining these benefits requires homeowners to work with nature’s rhythms rather than against them.