5 Essential Tips for Keeping Your Fruit Trees Alive This Perth Summer
Western Australian summers are famously beautiful, but the intense heat and dry winds can be brutal on young fruit trees. If you’ve recently planted or are planning your garden, protecting your investment is all about preparation. In Baldivis and the surrounding Peel region, the sandy soil and 40°C days mean we have to garden a little differently than the rest of the world.
Key Tips:
- Mulch like you mean it: Apply a thick layer (7-10cm) of coarse mulch around the base of your trees to keep root systems cool and retain moisture.
- Deep watering vs. frequent watering: Teach your roots to go deep by giving them a long, slow soak early in the morning rather than a quick daily splash.
- Sunscreen for trees: For young trees with exposed trunks, consider a light application of white diluted water-based paint or dedicated tree guards to prevent “sunburn” or bark cracking.
- Hold the fertiliser:Avoid heavy fertilising during heatwaves; you don’t want to encourage soft new growth that will just sizzle in the sun.