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August Tree Care Tips for Northern Virginia: What Your Landscape Needs Now

  • holly4704
  • Jul 26
  • 3 min read

August in Northern Virginia brings intense heat, humidity, and late-summer storms—conditions that can take a serious toll on your trees. While your landscape may still look lush, hidden stressors are building beneath the surface. At Potomac Tree and Shrub, we know that mid-to-late summer is a critical time to protect your trees from pests, drought, and storm damage.


Here’s what to look out for in August and how to keep your trees safe and healthy as we move toward fall.


🌡️ 1. Combat Heat Stress and Drought Conditions


By August, even well-established trees can show signs of heat and water stress, especially after a dry July. Cracked soil, curled leaves, early color change, and premature leaf drop are all signs that your trees are struggling.


Deep watering (once or twice a week) is better than frequent shallow watering. For added support, our deep root watering and fertilization services deliver moisture and nutrients where trees need it most.


🐛 2. Look Out for Late-Summer Insect Damage


Certain pests peak in August, especially those that target stressed trees. Bagworms, spider mites, and borers can still cause serious damage if left untreated. You may also see signs of lace bugs on azaleas and hawthorns or scale insects on maples and magnolias.


Our Certified Arborists offer targeted insecticide treatments and tree health assessments to detect and control infestations before they spread.


🍂 3. Be on Alert for Leaf Spot and Fungal Diseases


August humidity fuels the spread of foliar fungal diseases like anthracnose, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. While many are cosmetic, repeated infections can weaken a tree’s immune system and affect fall color and future growth.


Trees at risk include:


Dogwoods


Sycamores


Crabapples


Maples


Fungicide treatments can be applied even now to stop active infections. We'll also help you plan ahead for preventative spring sprays next season.


✂️ 4. Assess for Storm Damage and Structural Weakness


August is prime storm season in the Mid-Atlantic. Sudden windstorms or heavy rain can cause weak branches to snap or even bring down entire trees—especially those already compromised by disease or decay.


Warning signs:


Dead or hanging limbs


Cracks in major branches


Mushrooms or fungi around the trunk


Leaning trees


Schedule a Tree Risk Assessment with a Potomac Tree Certified Arborist. We’ll identify hazards and recommend pruning, cabling, or removals to protect your property.


🌱 5. Avoid Planting—But Plan Ahead


While it’s too hot to plant new trees in August, it’s the perfect time to schedule fall planting. Cooler temps and increased rainfall in September and October offer ideal conditions for young trees to take root.


Let us help you select the right trees for your landscape and prepare your site now for fall installation.


🧹 6. Refresh Mulch to Protect Roots


Mulch breaks down over time, and by August it may need a refresh to keep doing its job—retaining moisture, suppressing weeds, and insulating roots. But remember, more is not better.


Pro tip:

Avoid “mulch volcanoes.” Keep mulch 2–3 inches deep and pull it back a few inches from the trunk to avoid rot and insect issues.


Our team offers professional mulch application as part of our tree health maintenance services.


🧠 Trust Your Trees to Certified Professionals


Your trees are a valuable part of your property—but they need year-round attention, especially in summer. At Potomac Tree and Shrub, our ISA Certified Arborists specialize in proactive care that supports long-term health, safety, and beauty.


🌳 Protect your trees from late-summer stress and storms. Schedule your August tree inspection today!


📞 Call Jeremy at 571.354.1153 or visit www.potomactree.com to request a consultation.


Let us help you care for your trees—before problems take root.



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