Summer Tree Care in the South Okanagan: 5 Tips to Keep Your Trees Healthy and Fire-Safe

With summer just around the corner and temperatures already on the rise, now is the time to start preparing your trees for the season ahead.

The South Okanagan’s hot, dry summers can be especially tough on trees. Extended drought, intense heat, and elevated wildfire risk put stress on even the healthiest landscapes—and early care can make all the difference.

Whether you're a homeowner in Penticton or managing a property in Oliver, taking proactive steps now can help protect your trees, enhance safety, and preserve the value of your landscape through the hottest months.

At MTC, we specialize in helping South Okanagan residents maintain healthy, resilient trees year-round. Our fully certified team understands the local climate and terrain and offers expert services like pruning, storm cleanup, and fire-smart planning to ensure your property is prepared.

Here are five essential summer tree care tips to keep your trees thriving and your property protected:

1. Deep Watering: Go Beyond the Surface

Shallow, frequent watering encourages roots to stay near the surface, making trees more vulnerable to drought and heat stress. Instead, practice deep watering by soaking the soil to a depth of 12–18 inches. This encourages roots to grow deeper, improving drought resilience.

Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system for slow, even watering. Early morning or late evening is the best time to water, minimizing evaporation and ensuring moisture reaches the roots.

Newly planted trees may require 10–15 gallons of water 2–3 times per week if there is no rainfall. Established trees benefit from deep watering during dry spells or drought.

2. Mulch Smartly to Conserve Moisture

Mulching helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Apply a 2–4 inch layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or bark, around the base of your trees. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and discourage pests.

Proper mulching not only conserves water but also protects roots from extreme temperatures, contributing to overall tree health.

3. Watch for Signs of Drought Stress

Summer heat and prolonged dry spells in the South Okanagan can take a serious toll on trees—especially if they're not receiving adequate water. Recognizing the early signs of drought stress is crucial to preventing long-term damage or even tree loss.

Common symptoms of drought-stressed trees include:

• Wilting or curling leaves, even in the morning when temperatures are cooler

• Yellowing or browning of leaf edges (also known as “leaf scorch”)

• Premature leaf drop, particularly in the upper or outer canopy

• Thinning canopy, where the tree appears less full or has visible dead zones

• Cracked or dry soil around the root zone

• Slowed growth or unusually small leaves

Different species show stress in different ways, so it’s important not to overlook subtle changes. Young or newly planted trees are particularly vulnerable, but even mature trees can suffer if conditions persist.

If you see any of these signs, it’s time to take action. Begin with consistent deep watering and ensure mulch is applied to help retain moisture. Then, contact Millar Tree Care for a professional assessment. Our certified arborists can evaluate the overall health of your tree, identify underlying issues, and recommend targeted solutions to support recovery and resilience.

Early intervention is key. The sooner you address drought stress, the more likely your tree is to bounce back and thrive for years to come.

4. Prune for Health and Fire Safety

Regular pruning removes dead or diseased branches, improving tree health and reducing fire risk. Deadwood and low-hanging limbs can act as "ladder fuels," allowing ground fires to climb into the canopy. Prune branches at least 6–10 feet above the ground to create defensible space.

Summer is an ideal time for pruning, as trees are actively growing and can heal more quickly. However, avoid excessive pruning during extreme heat to prevent additional stress.

5. Schedule a Professional Tree Risk Assessment

Regular assessments by certified arborists can identify potential hazards, such as structural weaknesses or disease, before they become serious problems. A Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) professional evaluates factors like species, tree structure, and environmental conditions to determine risk levels.

At MTC, our certified team offers comprehensive risk assessments, providing you with actionable recommendations to ensure the safety and health of your trees.

Millar Tree Care Is Here to Help You Prepare for Summer

Caring for your trees during the South Okanagan’s hot, dry summers takes experience, local knowledge, and a proactive approach. At Millar Tree Care, our fully certified team understands the unique environmental challenges in the region—from water restrictions and drought stress to wildfire risk and storm-related damage.

Whether it’s trimming back overgrowth, removing hazardous limbs, grinding stumps, or inspecting root systems, we provide expert tree care services that help your landscape stay healthy and resilient all summer long.

If you’re unsure about your trees’ condition or want to reduce potential fire hazards on your property, now’s the time to act. Our team can assess your needs and recommend the best path forward to keep your trees safe, strong, and summer-ready.

Call our hotline at (250) 809-5779 or contact us here to book a consultation or learn more about how we can help protect your trees and property during the hottest months of the year.