As the weather cools and leaves begin to fall, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your trees for the winter months. Trees undergo stress from cold temperatures, wind, and potential ice or snow, which can all impact their health. Taking a few proactive steps in the fall can help your trees stay strong and ready for a vibrant growing season next year! Here are the essential fall tree care tips to ensure your trees are winter-ready:
- Inspect and Prune Carefully
Fall is a great time to inspect your trees for damaged, dead, or weak branches. These branches are more likely to break under winter conditions, posing a risk to both the tree and surrounding property. Pruning in the fall strengthens the tree’s structure, making it less susceptible to winter damage. When pruning, follow ANSI A300 standards to ensure proper cuts that won’t harm the tree’s long-term health.
Safety First … If you have to get onto something tall like a roof or ladder to get the job done, it’s best to hire a reputable company that understands how to properly care for your trees!
- Add a Protective Layer of Mulch
Applying organic mulch around the base of your trees helps protect roots from temperature extremes, retains soil moisture, and reduces soil compaction from rain or snow. Spread a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone, but keep it about 6 inches away from the trunk to avoid moisture buildup that can lead to rot. Mulching acts as insulation, keeping soil temperatures more stable through the winter. And, as a bonus, it will also feed your trees as microbes break down the
Pro Tip … add 1/2” layer of organic leaf mold to the soil before adding your organic mulch. This helps improve the soil and beneficial microbes and makes your mulch more efficient! Here are 2 great options:
– Nature’s Way Resources – Leaf Mold Compost
– Landscaper’s Pride – Mushroom Compost
- Give Trees a Deep Watering
Before the ground freezes, give your trees a thorough, deep watering, especially if your area has experienced a dry fall. Trees need moisture to sustain them through the dormant season, and dry roots can be more vulnerable to winter damage. A slow, deep soak around the root zone allows water to penetrate deep into the soil, helping the tree retain moisture longer.
It’s really important to keep watering about 2″ per week to make sure your trees get the nutrients they need from the soil. Roots typically are actively growing during the winter, so this will help set them up for a successful growing season. Deep and infrequent watering is best of course!
- Apply a Balanced Fertilizer
Fall fertilization can support root development and nutrient storage, helping your trees prepare for a healthy start in spring. Use a complete, organic fertilizer that won’t promote excessive growth but will instead focus on strengthening the roots. A soil test can help determine any specific nutrient needs before fertilizing, ensuring you’re not overloading the soil.
In the 2 decades I’ve been caring for trees, MicroLife 6-2-4 is my all-time favorite for general fertilization and can be done many times per year without damaging your plants or trees!
- Clear Fallen Leaves (Strategically)
Your best bet is to leave your fallen leaves (pun intended), as it can greatly benefit your soil and trees over time. However, if you have a problem with foliar fungus or damaging insects, consider getting rid of the leaves, as this can destroy a HUGE population of tree pests very quickly.
While fallen leaves can provide organic matter and nutrients as they decompose, too thick a layer can trap moisture and create a breeding ground for fungal diseases. Rake excess leaves away from around the base of trees and consider using them as mulch or compost in garden beds where they can break down slowly without harming tree health.
Wrapping Up: Preparing for Spring
Taking these steps in the fall not only safeguards your trees from winter stress but also sets the stage for robust root development. When trees enter dormancy, they focus less on foliage and more on strengthening their roots. By mulching, fertilizing, and watering deeply before the first freeze, you’re giving the roots essential resources to expand and anchor the tree. This increased root strength not only improves the tree’s resilience against winter’s cold and wind but also enables it to take up nutrients more effectively when spring arrives.
Investing time in fall care can make all the difference in the health of your trees in the coming seasons. Strong roots lead to a thriving canopy, reduced disease susceptibility, and an overall healthier landscape. As the growing season returns, your trees will be ready to burst forth with new growth, benefiting from the foundation you provided over the winter months. With consistent care, your trees can grow stronger and add beauty, shade, and value to your property year after year.
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My Best,
Matt Latham – 409.995.7940
Board Certified Master Arborist #TX-3737B
Member – American Society of Consulting Arborists
ma************@***il.com
www.arboristondemand.org
