Why August Is the Perfect Time to Check Your Trees for Health Issues
As summer starts winding down in St. Louis, August is the perfect time to assess the health of your trees. The heat, storms, and dry conditions of summer can take a toll on your landscape, and by late summer, signs of tree stress, disease, or pest infestations become more apparent. Regular tree health assessments help catch problems early—before they become major hazards in the fall and winter. Here’s why August is the best time to inspect your trees and how to spot potential issues.
8/17/20262 min read
Why Check Your Trees in August?
1. Summer Stress Reveals Tree Health Issues
The hot, humid summers in Missouri can be tough on trees. By August, trees that are struggling due to heat, drought, or poor soil conditions will start to show visible signs of stress, such as:
Wilting or scorched leaves
Early leaf drop
Cracks in the bark
If your tree looks worse than usual at this time of year, it may need deep watering or soil amendments to regain its strength before fall.
2. Pest and Disease Activity Peaks in Late Summer
Many common tree pests and diseases in St. Louis become more active in August, making it easier to spot infestations early. Look for:
Bacterial leaf scorch (yellowing on the margins of the leaves, sections of tree dieback
Oak wilt symptoms (wilting and browning leaves)
Poor soil moisture (This can exacerbate other issues or lead to sudden branch drop)
Catching these issues now gives you time to take action before they spread or cause irreversible damage.
3. Preparing for Fall and Winter Storms
As we head into fall and winter, strong storms and high winds can break weak branches, causing property damage and safety hazards. August is a great time for a professional tree inspection to:
Identify dead or weak limbs that could fall in storms
Check for structural issues like trunk splits or decay
Plan for pruning or cabling to strengthen the tree
By addressing these risks now, you can prevent costly damage later.
How to Check Your Trees for Health Issues
Step 1: Examine the Leaves
Are the leaves changing color too early? (May indicate stress or disease.)
Do they have holes, spots, or browning edges? (Could be pests or fungal infections.)
Step 2: Inspect the Bark and Trunk
Look for cracks, peeling bark, or fungal growth—signs of decay or stress.
Check for insect exit holes or sawdust-like material at the base.
Step 3: Check for Dead or Weak Branches
Dead branches are brittle, bare, or covered in fungus.
If branches snap easily when bent, they may be dying.
If you’re unsure about your tree’s health, it’s best to call an ISA Certified arborist for an expert evaluation.
Schedule a Tree Health Inspection Today!
At St. Louis Tree Pros, our ISA Certified Arborists specialize in:
Tree health assessments to diagnose stress, pests, and disease
Tree pruning and trimming to remove weak or hazardous branches
Soil and root care to boost tree health before fall and winter
Don’t wait for fall storms to expose tree problems—August is the best time to check your trees and take action!
Call 314-312-1331 today for a consultation!
Email us at contact@stltreepros.com
Schedule an appointment!
Contact:
Caring for St. Louis trees since 2015
© 2026. All rights reserved.