Out here in Lancaster, we’re used to some weather mood swings. One day it’s hot and dry, the next day a windstorm’s ripping through like it’s got something to prove. And while most of us just crank the AC or grab a hoodie, our trees don’t have that luxury. We’ve been out in yards all over the Antelope Valley lately, and here’s the honest scoop: a lot of trees are stressed. Like, visibly stressed. And it’s not just older trees or ones with issues. Even the young, healthy-looking ones are starting to crack—sometimes literally. Heat Isn’t Just Uncomfortable—It’s Dangerous for TreesBy the time June rolls around, we’re pushing triple digits in Lancaster. Young trees, in particular, are struggling to keep up. Their roots are still shallow, their bark is thin, and the sun doesn’t pull any punches. What we’re seeing: - Leaves curling or browning around the edges
- Branch tips drying out
- Some trees dropping leaves early, like they’ve just had enough
What helps: - Deep watering in the early morning (think slow trickle, not a five-minute spray)
- Mulch—2 to 4 inches around the base to hold in moisture and keep roots cool
- No trimming right now unless it’s absolutely necessary. Let the tree focus on surviving.
Windstorms Hit Different HereWe get those dry, gusty winds that show up out of nowhere and leave a trail of snapped limbs and tipped trees behind. You’ve probably heard them. You might’ve even had to drag a broken branch out of your driveway last week. What we’ve responded to: - Hanging or completely snapped limbs
- Bark torn or peeled off
- Trees leaning hard or starting to uproot
Quick Tip: If it’s been more than a couple of years since your tree had a check-up, now’s a good time. A few smart pruning cuts today can prevent a major break later.
Dry Soil vs. Waterlogged Roots? Yep, Both Happen HereHere’s the weird part about Lancaster soil—it drains fast in some places, and in others, it holds onto water like a sponge. Add in inconsistent watering schedules or unexpected rain, and you’ve got problems. What we’ve noticed: - Leaves yellowing from the bottom up
- Mushrooms or weird fungal growth at the base
- Soil that’s cracked one day, soggy the next
What helps: - Pull mulch away from the trunk to let the base breathe
- Water only if the soil a few inches down is dry
- Call us if your yard seems to always have one extra-wet corner—we can help with drainage
Leaf Disease: The Sneaky OneThe mix of heat, humidity (yes, even here), and poor airflow is the perfect setup for leaf disease. Especially in maples and oaks, we’ve started spotting blotches, mildew, and thinned-out canopies earlier than usual this year. What to look for: - Powdery or dark smudges on leaves
- Canopies that look thin even though it’s only June
- Lower branches that seem to die off first
Pro moves: - Water at the base—never overhead
- Prune to improve airflow (we can help figure out what to cut)
- Don’t ignore it—leaf disease spreads fast when it’s hot and crowded
Lancaster’s Drought Stress Is No JokeEven when we get a freak storm or two, the dry heat between rain events hits hard. Trees near sidewalks, driveways, or in small planting pits are especially vulnerable. What we’re seeing: - Drooping or curling leaves (even if they’re still green)
- Dry, cracked soil pulling away from the base
- Top-down leaf loss (that’s a serious sign)
Simple fixes: - Remove grass or weeds from the base—less competition means more water for your tree
- Water slowly and deeply a couple of times a week
- Add mulch—but keep it off the trunk itself
|
