It’s the peak of summer in Northern California—and the pressure on your trees is only building. With every dry, hot day, trees across the region are losing moisture, dropping leaves, and becoming more vulnerable to pests, disease, and fire.
What many property owners don’t realize is that drought-stressed trees are more than just unhealthy—they’re dangerous.
If you haven’t checked your trees lately, now is the time. Here’s how to tell if your trees are at risk—and what you can do about it before the fire season intensifies.
How Drought Stress Leads to Fire Risk
When trees can’t get the moisture they need, they shift into survival mode. That means:
- Thinner canopies and premature leaf drop
- Crispy leaf edges and discoloration (a sign of scorch)
- Brittle branches that break easily
- Weakened resistance to pests like bark beetles and borers
- Built-up deadwood in the crown or interior
All of this adds up to one major concern: your trees are turning into fuel.
Dry, dying trees ignite more easily and burn hotter—especially if they’re near structures, stacked close together, or surrounded by brush.
What to Look For On Your Property
Take a walk around your landscape this week and check your trees for:
- Brown or curling leaves, especially at the tips
- Thinning or sparse foliage in the upper canopy
- Dead or dying limbs, particularly near roofs or power lines
- Sawdust or tiny holes in bark (pest entry points)
- Accumulated debris or dry brush under trees
If you’re not sure what’s normal, it’s best to have a certified arborist inspect your trees. We can spot early-stage stress, evaluate structural risks, and recommend the next steps for tree service.
How to Support Trees Before It’s Too Late
The good news? Most drought-stressed trees can bounce back with the right care—if you act early. Our team recommends:
- Deep watering at the dripline to reach the roots
- Mulch installation to retain soil moisture and reduce surface heat
- Structural tree pruning to remove flammable deadwood
- Plant health care (PHC), Tree growth regulator, and/or microbial soil amendments
- Removal or spacing of trees that pose major fire risks
We’ll create a plan based on your specific trees, soil conditions, and defensible space needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drought-Stressed Trees & Fire Risk
How do I know if a tree is too far gone to save?
If a tree has extensive dieback, large sections of missing bark, or is leaning dangerously, it may be beyond recovery. A certified arborist can evaluate whether treatment or removal is the safest option.
Can I water my trees with a sprinkler?
Not effectively. Sprinklers typically don’t penetrate deeply enough to reach tree roots. Use a soaker hose or slow-drip system at the dripline for deep, sustained watering. Keep the irrigation spray off the tree trunks.
Is mulching really that important?
Yes—mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulate root zone temperature, and reduce competition from weeds or grass. Apply 2–4 inches of mulch, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk.
What’s defensible space, and why does it matter?
Defensible space is a buffer between your home and surrounding vegetation. It helps slow the spread of fire and gives emergency crews a safer area to work. Managing trees and brush is a critical part of maintaining this space.
Do I need a permit to remove trees that pose a fire risk?
It depends on your local regulations and whether the tree is protected. We can help you determine what is allowed and handle the permitting process if necessary.
Get Ahead of Fire Season—Schedule a Tree Checkup Today
Every summer, we see tree emergencies that could’ve been prevented with a simple mid-season inspection. If your trees are showing signs of drought stress—or you just want to be sure your property is safe—now is the time to act.
✅ Peace of mind
✅ Improved tree health
✅ Reduced fire danger
Contact Image Tree Service today at 773-718-5362 to schedule your summer tree evaluation or ask about our drought recovery programs.
Pro Tip:
Don’t rely on rain. Even in a “normal” year, summer storms rarely provide the consistent moisture trees need. Deep, intentional watering is key to protecting your trees—and your property.