As summer temperatures soar, trees across South Devon, from Paignton’s seaside gardens to the leafy lanes of Ashburton, face increased stress due to heat and drought. At First Cut Trees, we’re proud to help homeowners and landowners throughout Torquay, Brixham, Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot and beyond keep their trees healthy and thriving all year round.

Here are our top professional tips for protecting your trees during the hottest months of the year:

1. Water Deeply, Not Daily

A common mistake during hot spells is shallow, frequent watering. Trees benefit much more from deep watering, which encourages strong, deep root growth.

Water early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.
Let water soak slowly into the soil – use a hose on a trickle or a soaker hose.
Newly planted trees may need watering every couple of days; established trees usually need a thorough soak once a week.

2. Mulch Matters

Mulching is a simple but highly effective way to help trees through dry conditions.

Apply a 5–10cm layer of organic mulch such as bark or wood chips around the base of the tree.
Keep mulch away from direct contact with the trunk to prevent rot.
Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature.

3. Prune with Caution

Summer isn’t the ideal time for major pruning, especially during a heatwave, but a little light maintenance is fine.

Only remove damaged, diseased, or dead branches.
For any larger pruning jobs, wait until the cooler months or call in the professionals.

At First Cut Trees, we carry out safe and considerate pruning across South Devon, with services tailored to both residential gardens and larger estates.

4. Recognise Signs of Heat Stress

If your tree is in trouble, it may let you know through:

Wilting, curling, or scorched leaves
Early leaf drop
Dry or cracking soil around the base
Increased pest activity

If you’re unsure, our team can visit your site and assess tree health with no obligation.

5. Protect Younger Trees

Saplings and recently planted trees need extra TLC during hot weather.

Provide temporary shade if necessary.
Keep surrounding grass trimmed back to reduce competition for water.
Stake young trees in exposed areas to prevent wind damage.

6. Local Knowledge = Healthier Trees

Every area has its own microclimate. That’s why working with a local team like First Cut Trees, who know the Torbay, Teignbridge, and South Hams areas inside out, can make a big difference in how your trees are cared for.

Whether you’re in a coastal town like Brixham, a market town like Ashburton, or a rural village in between, our qualified arborists provide expert advice and tree care you can trust.

Book Your Summer Tree Health Check

At First Cut Trees, we provide friendly, professional tree care across Paignton, Torquay, Brixham, Newton Abbot, Bovey Tracey, Ashburton, and many more surrounding areas.

Whether you’re after routine maintenance, tree inspections, or emergency work, we’re here to help your trees flourish – even in a heatwave.