Autumn Tree Care GuideFrom Inexpensive Tree Care

Fall is Finally Here

There's a chill in the air, the leaves are changing color, and that means

Winter is just around the corner. Autumn is a favorite season of many,

and it’s an important time to care for your trees-- whether they are

bearing fruit or merely ornamental.

Now is the time to give your trees the help they need

to survive the Winter and prepare for a healthy spring.

PLanting

If you’re hoping to plant new trees this year, now is a great time. Most trees are happy to be

planted in the Fall because temperatures are cooler, and the conditions allow them to better

establish their roots.

Also, because we’re nearing the end of growing season, you may be able to save some money

as local nurseries will likely be offering discounts.

Find out How To Plant a Tree Like a Pro.

Caring for Young TreesThe temperature changes that come with Fall and Winter can sometimes harm young or

freshly planted trees. This is because they generally are not developed well enough to

withstand the freezing and thawing.

You can protect your young trees by adding a thick layer of mulch to the soil around them.

Rather than applying it right up against the trunk, which can cause moisture buildup and

attract fungi, spread the mulch giving at least a 6-inch buffer. You can use leaves, bark chips,

or your own compost mixture.

You can also save your trees from fluctuating temperatures by wrapping the trunk up to the

lowest branch with burlap or tree wrap. This can also protect the tree from salt spray when

nearby roads are de-iced.

WateringOnce Winter sets in, the ground is likely to freeze, making it impossible for trees to access

water. So, it’s important to water your trees in the Fall as necessary.

In early Autumn, watering your trees will encourage new growth, which may not survive a

frosty Winter. Hold off on watering until all the leaves have fallen from your deciduous

trees.

By late Autumn, your trees will be mostly dormant and busy moving nutrients around to

prepare for Winter-- this is the perfect time to Water! Saturate the soil at least 2 feet deep to

encourage proper root growth. Newly planted trees can be watered at the base, while

mature trees should be watered at the drip line. Continue regular watering until snow falls

or temperatures routinely dip below 45 degrees.

FertilizingYou’ll most likely want to wait until Spring to fetilize your trees as this can promote new

growth that will be damaged in the Winter.

However, it’s still a good idea to inspect your trees for signs of nutrient issues, such as:

● Wilting

● Reduced growth in branches and leaves.

● Yellow or pale green leaves (in trees that do not change color in fall).

● Leaves changing colors and falling earlier than usual.

In these cases, your trees may benefit from added nutrients. Contact your local nursery for advice.

PruningIf you prune too early in the Fall, the trees’ open wounds can attract insects that are still actively

devouring bark and foliage. Like with watering, it’s best to wait until all the leaves have fallen

and/or the tree has gone dormant. At this point, most pests will have gone dormant as well.

When you do prune, start with the 3 D’s: dead, damaged, and diseased. Removing these branches

will not only make the tree look better, but also improve its health and structural integrity.

It’s best t wait for Spring when pruning purely for shape and aesthetics.

Prune lightly on flowering trees as next year's buds have already formed. Heavy pruning may

reduce next Spring's flower production.

Read: 5 Pruning Mistakes to Avoid

HarvestingOne of the reasons so many people love the Fall is because of all the delicious fruits and nuts that are ripe for the picking. ‘Tis the season for:

Apples

Avocados

Bananas

Citrus

Figs

Guava

Mangoes

Nectarines

Olives

Papayas

Peaches

Pears

Persimmons

FRUITS & NUTSAlmonds

Black Walnuts

Chestnuts

Hazelnuts

Hickory Nuts

Pecans

Pistachios

For assistance with tree pruning, tree removal, and stump grinding

contact Inexpensive Tree Care today at 503-504-4179

or email Rod@InexpensiveTreeCare.com

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