4 Autumn Tree Care Tips
Posted on: 15 October 2020
When it comes to taking care of your yard, it can be tempting to get outside in the fall, trim your trees, and get them looking ready for next year. However, that is not a wise move. Here is how you should take care of your trees in the fall.
Tip #1: Limit Pruning
In the fall, you shouldn't go overboard on your trees while pruning and shaping them. In the fall, your trees are focusing all their energy on extending their roots further into the ground so they can access the nutrients they need in the cold months ahead. Your trees are not dormant yet, but their growth is focused on their roots, not their branches.
What that means is if you trim your trees in the fall, the cuts will not heal before winter. This will leave your tree with open cuts for months, which will harm your tree and make it more vulnerable to disease and infection.
In the fall, you should only engage in pruning that is necessary for safety reasons, such as pruning a dead branch or pruning a branch that is extending dangerously over your car park or roof.
You can call your local tree service and book a tree pruning for late winter or early spring. That way, you will have a proper tree pruning on the books so your yard will look great next year.
Tip #2: Rake Around Your Trees
Second, you are going to want to rake around your trees. You don't want to leave your trees with a layer of leaves around the base of the tree. This will suffocate any plant life growing at the base of your trees. The leaves can also be a breeding ground for disease and insects that can harm your tree's growth. Rake up your leaves and compost them.
Tip #3: Apply Mulch Around Your Trees
Third, fall is a perfect time to put mulch around the base of your trees. You will want to apply the mulch so that it starts a few inches away from the trunk of the tree. The mulch should extend out to the edge of the tree's root base to effectively protect the tree's roots. The mulch should be a couple of inches thick. This will help insulate the tree's roots and prepare the tree for winter.
Tip #4: Deep Watering
In the fall, after all the leaves have stopped falling from the trees, and the ground has not frozen yet, give all your trees a nice deep watering. With deep watering, you will water for several hours at a low rate, allowing the water to seep deep into the ground. This will provide the tree with water. Don't forget your evergreen trees; they can benefit from a deep watering as well.
In the fall, schedule a tree trimming with your local tree care company for the spring. Only cut down dead or dangerous branches. Rake up the leaves around your trees and apply a protective layer of mulch. Give your trees a deep watering at the end of the fall to help them get ready for winter.
For more information about scheduling a tree trimming service, contact a local professional.
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