1. Know the Signs of Trouble

Heat stress can set in when temperatures rise above 95°F or hot, dry weather lingers without any chance of rain. Obvious signs include fruit trees prematurely dropping their leaves and unripe fruit. Other signs of heat stress include drooping branches, wilting or deformed leaves, and leaves with brown edges and tips.

2. Add Mulch

One of the best ways to protect fruit trees from heat damage is to ensure that they're well-mulched before hot weather sets in. Apply a 2- to 4-inch layer of natural mulch around your fruit trees and extend the mulch to the tree's drip line, where the outermost branch tips extend.

Mulch helps prevent moisture from evaporating from the soil too quickly. Light-colored mulches like straw reflect the sun and tend to keep roots cooler than dark-colored mulches.

Keep mulch at least 6 inches away from tree trunks to reduce pest and rot issues.

3. Water Deeply

Fruit trees need regular watering to ensure they produce quality fruit. If there isn't sufficient rainfall, water the trees whenever the soil feels dry. In high heat, this is typically about once every 7 to 10 days, or about once every 2 weeks during cooler summer weather.

Water trees deeply and slowly rather than watering them too frequently, which can lead to rot. Direct water toward the tree's roots and out to the tree's drip line to maximize water absorption. Watering in the early morning or evening also reduces water loss from evaporation.

4. Install Shade Cloth

If your fruit trees are still relatively small, install shade cloth over the plants to help prevent problems such as leaf scorch. Shade cloth with a rating of around 30 percent usually works well for most fruit trees. Remove the shade cloth when the heat wave is over.

5. Use Windbreaks

Build temporary or permanent windbreaks on the windward side of trees or orchards to reduce exposure to hot, drying winds.

Landscaping fabric or shade cloth supported with wooden stakes can make an effective temporary windbreak. Dead hedges made from sticks, twigs, and other natural debris can create a more permanent and inexpensive structure.

Windbreaks are particularly helpful in areas that experience frequent periods of extreme heat.

6. Don’t Prune

Pruning causes plant stress and can be particularly taxing on fruit trees during hot weather. Pruning cuts increase exposure to pests and diseases, require energy for healing, and can leave trees more vulnerable to drying out.

Avoid pruning fruit trees during the peak of summer. Save major pruning efforts for late winter or early spring.

7. Skip the Fertilizer

Avoid fertilizing fruit trees during hot weather because it can increase the risk of fertilizer burn. For most fruit trees, early spring is the best time to fertilize, when plants are beginning to produce leaves and develop buds.

8. Provide for Wildlife

Birds and other wildlife are more likely to eat developing fruit during hot weather because fruit provides an easy source of moisture. Installing bird baths near fruit trees supplies birds and other wildlife with fresh water and can reduce the chances of them feeding on your fruit.

9. Stay Safe

When working outdoors in high heat, protect yourself from heat stress. Do most outdoor work in the early morning or at dusk when temperatures are cooler. Wear a sun hat and sunscreen, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.