Trees need special attention in the fall to ensure they survive the winter in good condition and are ready for the spring growth, including sprouting leaves, growing flowers, and yielding fruit. Many people assume that the trees in their yards can take care of themselves like trees do in forests. However, trees in the forest are naturally acclimated to their environment, which may not be the case with cultivated trees in your backyard.
Fall tree care in Cincinnati is easy to do and the benefits are immense. Trees will look much better in the spring, the chance of disease will be diminished, the shape of the tree will be much more appealing, and the chance of losing branches from the tree (or the entire tree falling) during severe winter snow and ice storms will be much lower.
5 Tips for Fall Tree Care
- Trees should be watered deeply so that the roots will have access to plenty of water for the winter. It may be a good idea to purchase a water injection device that will water deeply – your standard garden hose will connect easily to these devices. The ground should be soaked to a depth of 2 feet and in an area as wide as the canopy of the tree.
- Fertilizer may be important for some trees and not for others. The type of tree and its age should be discussed with a tree company or garden center, because applying the right fertilizer in the right quantity is important to the health of the tree and for its spring growth.
- Trimming limbs that look dead or appear to be separating from the trunk is important. These limbs can break under the weight of ice and snow or during strong winds. They may also harbor disease, which will only worsen in the spring. If you detect insect eggs in the bark, it is time to call a tree care professional. Examine trees carefully to detect other problems that may need professional attention.
- Mulch the area around the tree trunk after watering. Be sure to mulch properly – don’t pile the mulch too close to the trunk. Mulch will help to keep the ground from drying out. The idea is to help to keep nutrients and moisture in, but not so much that mold will grow or any kind of rot will develop.
- Stake trees that may be vulnerable to winter winds. It doesn’t take a lot of wind to blow a tree down or to bend it. Wind can even partially uproot a tree. Newly planted trees may be particularly vulnerable in heavy winds. If you aren’t certain about the stability of your tree, consult with an arborist or tree service for advice.
People are often surprised at how much better their trees look in the spring when the proper steps have been taken in the fall. Trees will show the level of care they received in the fall once spring comes. Take the time to care for your trees every fall. And if you’re aren’t sure exactly what care your trees would benefit from, give us a call – we can come out and give you a free estimate on any pruning, mulching, or fertilizing your trees require.
