With the cooler weather fast approaching, you may be looking forward to a little break from yard work. Before you curl up on the couch with a warm cup of hot chocolate, however, make sure all your efforts this spring and summer are rewarded next spring with strong, healthy plants and trees. Don’t just “leaf” them alone; here are 8 tips to prepare your trees for the fall season!
1. Rake Fallen Leaves
Raking leaves from around your trees decreases the chances of disease-causing fungi damaging them in the spring.
2. Prepare Trees for Fall With a Layer of Mulch
Prepare your trees for the fall season by adding a thick layer of mulch to keep tree roots warm and moist.
3. Don’t Forget to Hydrate Your Trees
Just because the heat of summer is passing doesn’t mean you can stop tending to your plant life. Focus on watering the roots of your trees.
4. Fertilize
Preparing trees for fall should include a healthy boost of fertilizer to help keep them strong over the cold winter months.
5. Plant New Trees
If you’re looking to add trees to your landscaping, fall is the perfect season to plant them. Cooler temps mean the new plantings will be protected from heat and sun as they take root, putting them in a better position to grow strong and healthy next spring.
6. Treat for Destructive Pests
Many insects, like borers, are looking for trees to set up their winter homes in. Treat the trees before these insects move in for the winter.
7. Support and Cover Growing Trees
Snow and ice can cause significant damage to young trees. Make sure your newer plantings are covered from harsh winter weather, and support them with stakes if necessary.
8. Prune Dead Branches
Fall is the perfect time to prune your trees of all dead, diseased, or dying branches. Unhealthy branches are likely to fall over the winter season, potentially causing damage to your property.
Prepare Your Trees for Fall with an Inspection
Fall, when foliage is thinning, is the perfect time to inspect your trees for damage and disease. Make sure to remove any diseased growth, and check the trunks for structural stability and rot. Winter brings ice, snow, and winds that can easily break a weak tree, causing it to fall and damage your home or property. If you have a question about stability, call a professional for evaluation.