August in San Antonio can be tough on trees. After months of extreme heat, fluctuating rainfall, heavy storms, flooding, and even tornadoes, our trees can be under significant stress.

The effects aren't always obvious. A tree may look healthy from the street while its roots, limbs, or overall structure are struggling beneath the surface.



As we move through the hottest part of the summer, now is a good time to take a closer look at your trees and address problems before they become hazards.

Beat the Heat – 7 Warning Signs to Watch For

Extreme summer heat can be hard on all of us, and our trees are no exception. After a long, hot summer, it's normal to see some changes in your trees. The key is knowing what is normal and what may be a sign that your tree needs a little attention.

1. Brown or Curling Leaves

A few brown leaves during extreme heat aren't necessarily cause for alarm. But if you notice widespread browning, curling, or leaves dropping much earlier than expected, your tree may be telling you it's under stress.

2. A Thinning Canopy

Take a look up into the tree. Does the canopy look noticeably thinner than it did earlier this year? A thinning canopy can be a sign that a tree is struggling with heat, drought, root problems, or another underlying issue.

3. Dead or Bare Branches

Dead branches are more than just an eyesore. As they dry out, they become brittle and can break during our frequent summer thunderstorms and high winds. It's a good idea to have larger dead limbs addressed before they become a problem.

4. Wilting Leaves

Trees can temporarily wilt during the hottest part of the day, but persistent wilting can indicate that the tree isn't getting enough usable moisture or that its roots are having trouble absorbing it.

5. Cracks in Limbs or the Trunk

When you're walking around your property, take a minute to look at the larger limbs and trunk. Cracks, splits, or areas where the bark is separating can indicate a structural weakness that deserves a closer look.

6. Mushrooms or Fungal Growth Near the Base

Seeing mushrooms after our recent rains isn't necessarily a problem by itself. However, fungal growth around the base of a tree, particularly when combined with other signs of decline, can sometimes indicate decay in the roots or trunk.

7. A Tree That Has Started Leaning

If a tree has recently developed a noticeable lean—especially after heavy rain, flooding, or strong winds—it's worth having it checked. Saturated soil can sometimes affect a tree's stability, particularly when combined with a compromised root system.

The good news is that spotting a problem early often gives you more options. If something about a tree doesn't look quite right, it's better to ask questions now than wait for the next storm to answer them for you.

How to Properly Water Your Trees During San Antonio's Heat

We've all heard that our trees need water during hot weather, but how you water can be just as important as how much you water.

Here are a few simple tips that can make a difference:

• Water slowly and deeply. Give the water time to soak into the soil rather than running off the surface.
  
• Water around the drip line. This is the area beneath the outer portion of the canopy where many of the tree's absorbing roots are located.
  
• Don't forget established trees. Large, mature trees may be able to withstand dry periods better than young trees, but they can still become stressed during prolonged heat and drought.
  
• Check the soil before watering. We've had significant rainfall in the area, so don't assume your trees need more water simply because it's hot. Feel the soil first.
  
• Give your trees some mulch. A good layer of mulch helps hold moisture in the soil and keeps the root zone cooler. Just remember to keep mulch away from the trunk.
  
• Avoid the "volcano." Piling mulch or constantly watering directly against the trunk isn't good for the tree. Think wide and deep rather than right at the base.

A little attention to watering now can go a long way toward helping your trees make it through the hottest part of the year.

My tree has brown leaves. Is it dying?

Not necessarily.

Brown leaves in August can be caused by several different factors, including extreme heat, drought stress, root problems, insects, disease, or previous storm damage.

The important thing is to look at the entire tree rather than focusing on one symptom.

Ask yourself:

• Is the browning happening throughout the entire canopy?
• Are only certain branches affected?
• Did the problem appear suddenly?
• Has the tree received adequate water?
• Has the tree recently experienced storm or construction damage?
• Are there dead branches or other signs of decline?

Sometimes brown leaves are simply the tree's response to extreme environmental conditions. Other times, they can be an early warning sign of a more serious problem.

When in doubt, have the tree inspected. Finding the cause early can make a big difference in whether a tree can be preserved.

Welcome to the Republic Tree Service Team: Meet Our New Office Manager – Desiree Hernandez

Dead & Dangerous Branches

What Should You Remove Before the Next Texas Storm?

We can't control when the next Texas storm rolls through, but we can take a few steps to make our properties safer before it does.

When you're outside, take a look at the trees around your home and keep an eye out for:

• Large dead limbs that could fall without warning.
• Broken or hanging branches left behind by a previous storm.
• Branches rubbing against each other, which can create wounds and weak points over time.
• Large limbs over your roof, driveway, or outdoor living areas where a failure could cause significant damage.
• Branches growing into or near power lines. These should always be handled with extreme caution and by qualified professionals.
• Trees that have recently started leaning or appear to have shifted following heavy rain or strong winds.

You don't have to be an arborist to notice when something doesn't look right.

If you see something that concerns you, take a picture, give us a call, and let us help you determine whether it needs attention.

Prepare Your Trees for Fall

5 Things San Antonio Homeowners Should Do Now

Now is a good time to get a jump on fall tree care. A little preparation now can save you headaches later.

1. Take a Walk Around Your Property

Spend a few minutes looking at your trees from different angles. Look up into the canopy and check for dead, broken, or hanging branches.

2. Check for Storm Damage

Recent storms may have caused damage that isn't immediately obvious from the ground. Small cracks can become bigger problems when the next storm arrives.

3. Pay Attention to Trees Near Your Home

Large trees provide wonderful shade, but limbs over roofs, driveways, patios, and play areas deserve particular attention.

4. Keep an Eye on Your Tree's Overall Health

Changes in leaf color, canopy density, growth, or the condition of the trunk can all provide clues about how your tree is doing.

5. Take Care of Problems Before They Become Emergencies

If you've been meaning to have a tree pruned, inspected, or removed, don't wait until a storm forces the issue. Taking care of routine work ahead of time is almost always easier than dealing with an emergency afterward.



Our goal isn't simply to remove trees—we want to help you keep the healthy ones healthy and identify potential problems before they become dangerous.

Schedule Your Summer Tree Inspection

Our goal isn't simply to remove trees—we want to help you keep the healthy ones healthy and identify potential problems before they become dangerous.

Your trees have been through a lot this year — extreme heat, heavy rain, flooding, severe storms, and high winds can all take their toll.



A professional inspection can identify problems that aren't always visible from the ground and help determine what your trees need to stay healthy and safe.

Schedule Your Summer Tree Inspection Today

Phone: 210-480-TREE (8733)

Website: www.republictreeservice.com

ISA Certified Arborist | Fully Insured | Family Owned & Operated | Serving San Antonio & Surrounding Areas

Thank You for Trusting Republic Tree Service

Whether you need routine pruning, hazardous tree removal, stump grinding, or emergency storm response, our team is here to help.

Thank you for trusting Republic Tree Service with your trees. We appreciate the opportunity to serve our community and look forward to helping keep your property safe and beautiful for years to come.

Proudly serving San Antonio, Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch, Helotes, Garden Ridge, Alamo Heights, Stone Oak, Shavano Park, Kendall County, Bexar County, Comal County, Guadalupe County, and many other surrounding communities.

Keep Your Trees Healthy. Keep Your Property Safe.

Keep Your Landscape Looking Its Best.