The warm weather helps highlight stress symptoms like leaf scorch, early leaf drop, or pest activity. It’s also an ideal time to trim dead limbs before summer storms hit or start treatments for disease and insect infestations before they spread. If your tree needs support or corrective pruning, getting it done in the summer months ensures a stronger recovery before the dormant season. Let’s look at signs that indicate now is when to call an arborist.
Even healthy trees can look a little tired during July and August, but certain red flags shouldn’t be ignored. If you notice any of these issues, it may be time to step back from DIY care and bring in a pro.
If leaves are drooping, curling inward, or looking scorched at the edges, that’s a major red flag. All of these visible signs can indicate heat stress or dehydration—especially if they’re affecting the entire canopy. Homeowners might try deep watering to correct the issue, but if the tree doesn’t respond in a few days, deeper root problems could be to blame.
While it’s normal for some trees to shed a few leaves in late summer, excessive leaf drop in June or July signifies trouble. It might mean the tree is shutting down to conserve water or fighting a disease. Premature leaf loss, especially if leaves look spotted or yellow, warrants a certified arborist‘s inspection.
Pay attention to the branches on your property. If they snap easily or you spot bare limbs while the rest of the tree is full, that’s a classic sign of decay. Dying branches are unattractive and dangerous, especially during storm season. A professional should always assess tree limbs overhanging your home or driveway.
Beetles, borers, and aphids love to take advantage of heat-stressed trees. If you see sawdust at the tree’s base, holes in the trunk, or sticky sap, it’s time to act. Many pest problems aren’t obvious until significant damage is done, which is why calling a certified arborist early is so important.
Trees can’t tell you when they’re sick, but they can show it. If bark is peeling off in sheets, cracking deeply, or you notice mushrooms or soft, spongy areas around the base, your tree may be battling internal rot. Cracks or splits in the trunk and bark are advanced tree health indicators that need professional attention before the tree becomes a hazard.
Trees have their way of asking for help—you just have to know how to read the signs. Here are a few additional tree health indicators to keep on your radar this summer:
Take a step back and look up into your tree’s canopy. If it once provided full, leafy coverage but now has significant gaps where sunlight pours through, you may be dealing with a stressed or declining tree. A healthy canopy should feel dense and shady.
If you can easily see through the branches from one side to the other—especially near the tree’s center—it’s often a sign of root damage, pest activity, or nutrient deficiency. Sparse canopies are especially easy to notice when compared to other trees in your yard or neighborhood that are thriving.
Leaves should be vibrant and consistent in color during summer. If your tree’s foliage is fading to pale green, yellow, or brown, or showing dark spots or blotches, it’s waving a big red flag. Black spots could indicate fungal diseases, while yellowing may point to drought stress or nutrient imbalance. Stand beneath the tree and look up—do the leaves look uniform, or are patches of them curling, changing color, or dropping early?
These symptoms and premature leaf drop are often overlooked until a large section of the tree is affected. At the first sign of leaf discoloration, it’s wise to bring in a certified arborist to identify the root cause.
Roots are often “out of sight, out of mind,” but they’re the foundation of your tree’s health. After a storm or heavy rainfall, inspect the base of your tree. Are roots breaking through the soil surface? Are there signs of shifting, cracking, or exposed roots that weren’t visible before? Raised roots or soil that looks like it’s been lifted can indicate instability—especially if the tree leans slightly or rocks when pushed.
You might also notice mushrooms or soft, soggy ground near the trunk, signaling rot below. If you see any of these, call a professional right away. These high-risk signs indicate removal may be necessary and shouldn’t be ignored.
Learn how Meyer Tree Service can address these poor tree health indicators at your home by exploring our tree care services and scheduling an on-site assessment.
Some tree issues are small enough for you to manage on your own. But others require the experience, training, and tools only a certified arborist can bring. Here’s how to know which route to take:
DIY-Friendly Situations:
Call an Arborist If:
Trying to prune or treat a sick tree without proper training can cause more harm than good. In many cases, it can even be dangerous, especially if ladders or saws are involved. With the right techniques and proper equipment, professional arborists fix the problem and make sure it doesn’t return.
A certified arborist does more than show up with a chainsaw and start cutting. They bring years of education, training, and hands-on experience. Here’s what a professional tree care expert can offer:
They can also identify long-term risks before they become expensive problems. When you call an arborist, you’re investing in the future of your landscape—not just a quick fix.
Still wondering when to call an arborist? If you’ve spotted any of the symptoms we’ve covered—wilting leaves, dead branches, insect damage, or cracked bark—it’s time to call the professionals.
At Meyer Tree Service, our team of certified arborists specializes in diagnosing and treating tree issues common in St. Louis summers. We know what to look for, how to treat problems fast, and how to keep your trees healthy and thriving through the year’s hottest months.
Don’t wait for the next storm or downed limb to find out your tree wasn’t as healthy as it looked. Contact Meyer Tree Service today to schedule your summer tree inspection.
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Abstrakt Marketing2025-05-02 09:22:312025-05-23 08:17:39Pruning Trees in Summer: Tips for Stronger, Healthier Trees in St. Louis
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Abstrakt Marketing2025-05-02 08:44:412025-05-23 08:17:39Summer Tree Care Tips: How to Protect Your Trees from Heat Stress in St. Louis
