How to Spot Signs Your Tree Might Be in Trouble This Summer

Emily Mumford
Jun 24
3 min read

With heatwaves becoming more common across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and South Yorkshire, our local trees are under growing pressure. While they’re often seen as hardy and self-sufficient, even the most established tree can suffer in extreme summer conditions.

At Springwood Tree Services Ltd, we’re already seeing signs of drought stress and heat-related damage in trees across the region — from rural estates near Lincoln to suburban gardens in Retford. Knowing what to look for can help you take action early and avoid long-term damage or even tree loss.

🔥 Why Summer 2025 Could Be Tough on Trees

The UK has experienced some of its hottest and driest summers on record in recent years, and 2025 is shaping up to follow suit. Long dry spells, intense UV exposure, and soaring temperatures can:

Disrupt a tree’s natural water intake
Cause leaf scorch and early leaf drop
Leave trees vulnerable to pests and disease
Weaken the root system, making trees unstable

These risks are especially high for younger trees, trees planted in poor soil, or those in exposed areas like car parks, urban gardens, or along open roadsides — all common across the East Midlands.

🍃 7 Warning Signs Your Tree Is Struggling

If you spot any of the following, your tree may be under heat or drought stress:

Wilting or curling leaves
Even if the tree has enough water, high heat can cause the leaves to curl to reduce moisture loss.
Yellowing or browning leaves (leaf scorch)
Look for crispy edges or discoloured patches — especially on south-facing sides.
Sudden or early leaf drop
Trees will sometimes shed leaves to conserve energy and water.
Cracked or shrinking soil around the base
Drought can cause the soil to pull away from the roots, cutting off access to moisture.
Dead or brittle branches
Snap a small twig — if it’s dry and breaks easily, it may be dying back.
Sparse canopy
A normally full crown may look thinner than usual, especially in mid-to-late summer.
Increased pest activity
Drought-stressed trees attract opportunistic pests such as aphids, scale insects, or boring beetles.

💧 What You Can Do to Help Your Trees

You don’t need to wait until your tree is in crisis. A few simple summer steps can make a big difference:

Water deeply, once or twice a week, especially young or newly planted trees. Focus on the root zone, not the leaves.
Apply mulch (wood chip or compost) around the base to lock in moisture and reduce surface heat. (We have a ready supply if you need it)
Use greywater (bath/shower water) safely to hydrate larger trees during water restrictions.

If you’re unsure whether your tree needs intervention, a quick professional check can give you peace of mind.

📍 Local Knowledge Matters

Our team at Springwood Tree Services Ltd has decades of experience looking after trees across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and South Yorkshire. Whether it’s a struggling apple tree in Newark or a mature lime near Rotherham, we tailor our advice to the local climate, soil type, and species.

We also stay up to date with UK climate trends and tree health reports — so you don’t have to.