August brings a gentle turning point in the garden. The days are still warm, borders remain full of colour and fruit is ripening on the branches, but the first signs of autumn are beginning to appear.
This is a month for enjoying the rewards of summer while giving trees and plants the steady care they need. Regular watering, thoughtful pruning and a little preparation now will help the garden remain healthy as the seasons begin to change.
Whether you are caring for a recently received living gift or tending a much-loved family garden, these are seven of the most useful gardening jobs to complete in August.
1. Keep trees and plants well watered
August can bring long periods of warm, dry weather, so it is important to keep checking the soil around trees, roses, shrubs and container plants. Pots can dry out quickly, while newly planted trees may still have small root systems that cannot yet reach moisture deeper in the ground.
Rather than giving plants a light sprinkle every day, water deeply when the soil begins to feel dry. A thorough soak encourages roots to grow downwards, helping the plant become stronger and more resilient. Water slowly around the base so the moisture reaches the root area instead of running away across the surface.
Early morning or evening is usually the best time to water because less moisture is lost through evaporation. Stored rainwater is ideal when available. Pay particular attention to plants growing against walls, beneath overhanging branches or in containers, as these areas may receive less rainfall than the rest of the garden.
Brown or scorched leaves on native tree saplings
Many native trees, particularly young native saplings, may develop brown leaf edges, dry patches or scorch marks during hot, dry summer weather. This can look worrying, especially when the tree has only recently arrived or been planted, but it does not necessarily mean that the sapling is dying.
Young trees can lose moisture through their leaves faster than their developing roots can replace it. Heat, strong sunlight, drying winds and the natural stress of settling into a new position can all contribute to summer leaf scorch.
Try not to overreact by flooding the roots, feeding the tree heavily or repeatedly moving it. Instead, keep the root area steadily watered, allowing the moisture to soak into the soil before checking it again. The soil should remain comfortably moist during prolonged dry spells, but it should not become permanently waterlogged.
A layer of organic mulch around the base can help the soil retain moisture and keep the roots cooler. Leave a small clear space around the trunk so the mulch does not rest directly against the bark.
Some marked or browned leaves may not recover during the current season. This is often part of the tree’s natural response to stress. Native deciduous trees will shed their leaves in autumn before resting through winter. After the roots have had time to settle and the tree has replenished its energy, fresh leaves should emerge naturally in spring.
Continue to watch the tree, but judge its progress over the seasons rather than by the appearance of individual summer leaves. Patient, consistent care gives a young native tree the best opportunity to settle, rejuvenate and begin its next cycle of growth.
Newly planted trees and roses will need regular care throughout their first summer. Check them every few days during warm weather and make sure the soil is moist below the surface. For more seasonal support, visit our MyTree™ care guides.
2. Harvest ripe fruit little and often
August is one of the most rewarding months in the fruit garden. Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, figs, plums and damsons may all be ready to pick, along with some early varieties of apple and pear.
Fruit does not always ripen at the same time, even on the same tree or bush, so check plants every few days. Most ripe fruit will come away with a gentle twist or light pull. If it resists, it will usually benefit from a little more time on the plant.
Handle soft fruit carefully and collect it in a shallow container to prevent the berries underneath from becoming crushed. Apples, pears and plums should also be handled gently, as bruised fruit will spoil more quickly.
Remove any fruit that is damaged, diseased or beginning to rot. This helps protect the remaining crop and reduces the amount of fallen fruit attracting wasps or other pests beneath the tree.
Enjoy the ripest fruit first and save larger harvests by freezing, cooking or making preserves. Sharing a bowl of berries or a bag of home-grown apples with a neighbour can also turn the garden’s abundance into a simple, thoughtful gift.
For more harvesting advice, read our guide to picking fruit in August.
3. Support crops and prune fruit trees carefully
Apple, pear and plum branches can become surprisingly heavy as their fruit develops. Check the tree regularly and look for branches that are bending sharply or showing signs of strain. A suitable wooden support can help carry the weight and reduce the risk of a branch splitting before the fruit is ready.
Check tree ties at the same time. Ties that were comfortable in spring may become tight as the trunk grows. Loosen or replace anything beginning to press into the bark, while keeping the tree securely supported.
Late summer can also be a useful time to prune trained apple and pear trees, including cordons and espaliers. Shortening selected new shoots helps maintain their shape and allows more light and air to reach the ripening fruit.
Free-standing apple and pear trees are managed differently, so avoid carrying out general summer pruning unless you understand the tree’s form and needs. Removing too much growth may weaken the tree or encourage unwanted shoots.
Stone fruit trees, including cherries, plums and damsons, should be pruned during the growing season rather than in winter, when they can be more vulnerable to disease. Keep any August pruning light, use clean tools and work during a dry spell so cuts can begin to heal quickly.
4. Deadhead roses and refresh summer borders
Many repeat-flowering roses will continue blooming into early autumn when faded flowers are removed regularly. Deadheading prevents the plant from putting unnecessary energy into producing seed and encourages it to form fresh buds instead.
Use clean secateurs to remove each spent bloom, cutting the stem back to a healthy leaf. While you work, check the plant for aphids, black spot, damaged leaves or stems rubbing against one another. Collect fallen diseased leaves from around the base to help keep the surrounding area clean.
Roses growing in pots can become thirsty during warm weather, so check their compost frequently. Water deeply when needed and avoid splashing the foliage late in the day, as leaves that remain wet overnight may be more vulnerable to fungal problems.
August is also a good time to gently refresh summer borders. Remove badly damaged growth, trim tired herbs and cut back plants that have finished flowering where appropriate. Avoid making the garden too tidy, though. Healthy seed heads can provide food for birds and shelter for insects later in the year.
Explore our Rose Bush Gifts for living gifts that return with fresh colour and meaning each year.
5. Care for citrus trees and container plants
Lemon, lime and orange trees can continue enjoying a sunny, sheltered position outdoors throughout August. The warmth and natural light support healthy growth, flowering and fruit development, but plants in containers need closer attention than those growing in the ground.
Check the compost regularly by pressing a finger below the surface. Water thoroughly when it begins to feel dry, allowing excess moisture to drain away. Citrus trees dislike sitting in waterlogged compost, so make sure the pot has clear drainage holes and is not left standing in a full saucer.
Continue using a suitable summer citrus feed while the tree is actively growing. Follow the product instructions carefully rather than feeding more heavily, as excessive fertiliser can damage roots and lead to weak growth.
Inspect the leaves, stems and fruit for common pests such as scale insects, aphids and red spider mites. The undersides of leaves and the points where leaves meet the stem are useful places to check. Catching a problem early makes it much easier to manage.
Other container plants will also need regular checks. Grouping pots together can help slow moisture loss, while moving delicate plants out of harsh midday sun may protect them during particularly hot spells.
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6. Collect seeds, compost garden waste and support wildlife
As summer flowers begin to fade, August offers an opportunity to collect seeds for next year. Choose seed heads from healthy plants and wait until they are dry and mature. Place the seeds in a labelled paper envelope and store them somewhere cool and dry.
Avoid using plastic bags for long-term seed storage, as trapped moisture can encourage mould. Labelling each envelope with the plant name and collection date will make spring sowing much easier.
Turn the contents of the compost bin to introduce air and help the material break down evenly. Add healthy garden cuttings in layers, balancing fresh green material with dry matter such as torn cardboard, small twigs or dry leaves. Do not add diseased plant material or weeds carrying mature seeds unless your composting system becomes hot enough to destroy them.
Continue leaving some natural shelter around the garden for wildlife. Seed heads, dense shrubs and small areas of longer grass can all provide food or cover. Keep bird baths topped up with clean water and wash them regularly during warm weather.
Any surplus fruit can be shared with family or neighbours, but avoid leaving large quantities of rotting fruit on the ground. Clear windfalls regularly and compost only fruit that is free from serious disease.
7. Prepare gently for autumn
There is no need to rush the end of summer, but August is a useful time to notice what the garden may need next. Look for gaps in borders, crowded containers and areas where a new tree, rose or shrub could bring structure and interest.
Remove persistent weeds before they release seed and begin clearing planting spaces gradually. Improving compacted soil with suitable organic matter now can make autumn planting easier once cooler, wetter conditions return.
You can also begin planning spring-flowering bulbs and deciding which trees or shrubs you would like to plant later in the year. Autumn is often an excellent planting season because the soil remains warm while rainfall helps new roots establish.
If you are going on holiday, prepare the garden before leaving. Water vulnerable plants thoroughly, move smaller pots into light shade and group containers together to reduce moisture loss. Ask a friend, neighbour or family member to check newly planted trees, fruiting plants and greenhouse crops during longer trips.
Leave simple instructions rather than a long list. Point out the plants that need the most attention and explain how to check whether they need water. This makes caring for the garden easier for everyone.
Other August gardening tips
Continue mowing the lawn when it is actively growing, but raise the cutting height during hot or dry weather and avoid cutting grass too short. Tie in climbing plants, remove damaged growth and check stakes, supports and plant ties after windy weather. Lavender can be trimmed lightly once flowering has finished, taking care not to cut deeply into old woody stems. Keep greenhouses well ventilated, harvest tomatoes and courgettes regularly, and watch for signs of pests beneath leaves. Above all, take time to enjoy the garden as it begins its slow change towards autumn. Pick warm fruit, sit among the late-summer flowers and notice the small signs of growth that months of care have made possible.
August gardening checklist
- Water newly planted trees, roses and container plants deeply.
- Harvest ripe fruit little and often.
- Remove damaged or rotting fruit.
- Support branches carrying heavy crops.
- Check and loosen tight tree ties.
- Deadhead repeat-flowering roses.
- Summer-prune trained apples and pears where appropriate.
- Finish necessary stone fruit pruning in dry weather.
- Check citrus trees for dry compost and pests.
- Collect seeds from healthy garden flowers.
- Turn compost and balance green and dry materials.
- Prepare vulnerable plants before going away.
- Begin planning autumn planting.
“August reminds us that care brings its own rewards — fruit on the branches, flowers returning and a garden full of moments worth sharing.”
Growing with MyTree™
If you have received a Tree2MyDoor gift, MyTree™ is there to guide you long after your tree or plant arrives. Our seasonal care guidance helps recipients understand what their living gift needs throughout the year, from watering during warm weather to preparing for cooler autumn conditions.
Care does not end when a gift is delivered. It continues as the roots settle, branches grow and the plant becomes part of someone’s home and story.
Living gifts for the seasons ahead
Late summer is a thoughtful time to give something that will grow into the future. Explore our collections of Tree Gifts, Rose Bush Gifts and Citrus Tree Gifts to find a living gift for a birthday, new home, retirement or quiet moment of care.
Each one marks the moment today while offering fresh growth, colour and connection through the seasons ahead.