diff --git a/js/ui/messageTray.js b/js/ui/messageTray.js
index 86bd6edb5..c213e923b 100644
--- a/js/ui/messageTray.js
+++ b/js/ui/messageTray.js
@@ -2122,6 +2122,10 @@ const MessageTray = new Lang.Class({
     },
 
     _hideTray: function() {
+        // Having the summary item animate out while sliding down the tray
+        // is distracting, so hide it immediately in case it was visible.
+        this._summaryBoxPointer.actor.hide();
+
         this._tween(this.actor, '_trayState', State.HIDDEN,
                     { y: 0,
                       time: ANIMATION_TIME,