As summer draws to a close, you should think about how to care for trees in the fall season. Trees are most vulnerable when they lose their leaves to become exposed to UV radiation, wind, and cold temperatures. Without intervention, damaged branches and leaves could cause severe problems for the tree’s growth, structural integrity, and immunity against disease and pests.
So, here are some tips from Fayetteville’s tree service professionals to care for your trees better this fall:
5 Tips to Help You Care for Trees in the Fall Season
Tip #1: Prune Your Trees
Prune your trees to keep them healthy and strong. Fall and late winter pruning create better airflow throughout the tree while dormant. This care helps reduce disease and pest damage throughout the winter months.
Pruning in fall and late winter poses less risk of damaging the tree. You can also see where the branches connect, making it easier to cut them off without hurting the tree’s primary structure. If you wait until springtime to prune larger trees, it is much harder to see what’s going on, and you might end up cutting off a lot more than you need to.
Tip #2: Water Your Trees
Watering your trees in the fall can help them stay healthy and strong throughout winter. Check their moisture levels regularly to ensure they are not drying out, and water as needed. The simplest way to ensure regular watering is by using a hose or sprinkler attached to a timer.
Tip #3: Fertilize Your Trees
Fertilizing your trees can help them grow new leaves quicker and keep existing ones healthy. You should fertilize trees in early fall so their systems can start preparing for winter. However, avoid fertilizing too late in the season as it may encourage new growth that sustains damage as the cold weather approaches.
Tip #4: Mulch Your Trees
Fall is an excellent time of year to mulch your trees and give them a little extra attention. Mulch retains moisture in the soil and typically consists of the following:
- Wood chips
- Chopped leaves
- Compost and more
This combination is especially important if you live in an area that doesn’t get much rain during certain months of the year. Mulch also helps protect against weed growth and prevents soil erosion with larger trees that need deep waterings.
Tip #5: Check for Insects and Diseases
The fall is also the perfect opportunity to check your trees for signs of pests or diseases. This check is an essential step for caring for your trees in the fall. Spotting problems early gives you time to sort them out before they affect the tree’s health.
Get Your Trees Ready for Winter with Your Local Trusted Arborists
Do you need assistance with tree care? If you see any signs of insects or diseases, be sure to contact our tree service right away so we can come out and treat them. The arborists at Tree N Scapes Unlimited offer a full range of services, including the following:
- Tree removal
- Pruning
- Fertilization and more
We can help your trees thrive, no matter what they need. Our experienced team will always be upfront about what your tree needs and how much any work might cost. We will also give you a quick and honest assessment of your tree’s health so that you can take the right winter tree protection steps and keep it healthy for years to come.
Call Tree N Scapes Unlimited at (479) 802-5766 today for services or more tips on caring for trees in the fall season throughout Bentonville and NW Arkansas.