Tree Care Tips for Surviving the Desert Sun

Bassett Tree Service • Aug 31, 2024
A white house with a palm tree in front of it

In Mesa, the sun is both a delight and a challenge. While it provides warmth and light, the relentless heat can be tough on trees. Proper care is essential to ensure your trees not only survive but thrive in this arid environment. We discuss key tips to help your trees withstand the harsh desert sun below. For professional tree care in Mesa, AZ, contact Bassett Tree Service.


Choose Drought-Resistant Trees

The first step in tree care is choosing the right trees for the climate. Opt for drought-resistant species like Mesquite, Palo Verde, or Ironwood. These trees are well-suited to Mesa's dry conditions and require less water than non-native species. Their deep roots and tough leaves help them withstand the scorching sun.


Water Deeply and Infrequently

Watering is crucial, but it’s all about the method. Shallow, frequent watering can lead to weak roots. Instead, water deeply and infrequently to encourage roots to grow deep into the soil, where they’re less affected by surface heat. A slow drip system or soaker hose is ideal for delivering water directly to the root zone.


Mulch to Retain Moisture

Mulching is a simple yet effective way to protect your trees from the sun. A thick layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce evaporation. To prevent rot, leave a few inches between the tree and mulch.


Prune Wisely

Pruning is necessary, but it should be done carefully, especially in Mesa’s hot climate. Prune during the cooler months to avoid stressing the tree. Remove dead or damaged branches, but avoid heavy pruning, as this can expose more of the tree to the sun, leading to sunburn on the bark.


Protect from Sunburn

Just like humans, trees can suffer from sunburn, particularly young trees with thin bark. To protect them, consider wrapping the trunk with a tree wrap or painting it with a white, water-based latex paint. This reflects sunlight and helps prevent the bark from cracking and peeling.


Tree Care in Mesa

Our team of expert tree surgeons provides various tree services in Mesa and the surrounding area. With more than 15 years of experience, you can rely on Bassett Tree Service for all of your needs, whether commercial or residential. We encourage you to give our team of certified arborists a call at 480-745-2290 to chat about your tree questions or concerns, or to request an estimate for professional tree pruning, tree shaping, or other tree-cutting services in Mesa or throughout Maricopa County.

Share by: