August tree care and tree service checklist

For homeowners

• Keep watering young trees in dry weather and watch for early leaf color change from stress.
• Check for dead branches over the roof, power lines and driveway.
• Call a pro rather than trimming near power lines yourself.

For tree crews

• Offer late-summer inspections and dead-wood removal.
• Be ready for remnants of tropical systems that bring wind and heavy rain.
• Start lining up fall pruning and planting customers.

For homeowners

• Remove or secure loose limbs and have large dead trees taken down before a storm warning.
• Keep gutters and yards clear of branches and debris that can fly in high wind.
• Take photos of your trees now for your records in case of storm damage.

For tree crews

• Peak hurricane season is approaching: confirm your storm kit, fuel, generators, PPE and call list.
• Prepare pre-storm and post-storm pricing notes and a clear way to explain emergency work.
• Expect surges in calls after any tropical system, so staff the phones.

For homeowners

• Watch for drought stress, including wilting and early leaf drop.
• Check older trees for cracks or mushrooms at the base, which can signal decay.
• Keep watering newly planted trees through the dry stretch.

For tree crews

• Thunderstorms and wind events can still produce emergency work.
• Promote hazard tree assessment for customers with large mature trees.
• Plan fall pruning and removal schedules.

For homeowners

• Water deeply during drought and protect roots from lawn equipment damage.
• Check trees for dead limbs, especially after hot, dry weeks.
• Be prepared for Gulf storms if you live near the coast.

For tree crews

• Use early starts and shaded breaks for heat safety.
• Prepare for tropical systems along the Gulf Coast.
• Drought-stressed trees may fail suddenly, so quote hazard removals promptly.

For homeowners

• Keep defensible space clear of dead brush, dry leaves and low branches.
• Water mature trees deeply if local rules allow.
• Look for brown or thinning conifer crowns.

For tree crews

• Check local fire orders and restrictions before each job.
• Promote fire-wise pruning and fuel reduction.
• Smoke and heat can limit working hours, so build flexibility into your schedule.

For homeowners

• Monsoon storms can bring strong gusts and flash flooding; remove weak limbs ahead of time.
• Do not overwater desert-adapted trees.
• Check for fallen or cracked limbs after each storm.

For tree crews

• Storm calls are common during monsoon season.
• Plan for extreme heat and have water, shade and rest rules for every job.
• Offer canopy thinning before the strongest storms.

For homeowners

• Keep brush and dead wood away from the home during fire season.
• Water trees during dry spells following local rules.
• Watch for pests and disease signs in stressed trees.

For tree crews

• Follow local fire restrictions on equipment and work hours.
• Promote defensible-space pruning and removal.
• Prepare for fall rains by lining up pruning and removal work.