Fall Tree Care Made Simple

As summer heat fades and the crisp air of autumn rolls in, our landscapes begin to transform. The green canopy shifts into warm tones of bronze. It's a reminder that winter isn’t far away. But fall is more than just a season of color. It’s also one of the best times to invest in your trees’ long-term health. With cooler weather and steady soil moisture, trees respond well to a little extra care before winter arrives. Preparing now helps them survive harsh conditions and thrive when spring returns.

Improve the Soil Around Your Trees

Healthy soil = healthy trees. Unlike forest trees that benefit from a constant supply of decaying organic matter, landscape trees rely on us to provide the nutrients they need.

• Fertilize in the fall: A slow-release fertilizer mimics the forest floor by supplying a steady flow of nutrients throughout winter and spring. This gives your trees the resources they need to grow new roots, leaves, and wood once warmer weather returns.

  
  

• Mulch correctly: Apply 2 to 4 inches of organic mulch (shredded leaves, wood chips, or straw) around the root zone. Mulch retains soil moisture, regulates soil temperature, and adds organic matter as it decomposes. Just be careful to avoid “volcano mulching” (piling mulch against the trunk), which can lead to bark rot. Keep mulch 2 to 3 inches away from the trunk.

  
  

• Irrigation adjustments: As fall progresses, soil naturally holds more moisture, and trees enter dormancy. Dial back your irrigation to prevent root suffocation and fungal growth. The goal is to keep soil moist, not soggy.

Clean Up the Yard

Autumn leaves are beautiful, but if left on the ground, they can harbor pests, encourage mold, and suffocate turfgrass.

• Leaf management: Rake leaves regularly to avoid buildup. Instead of bagging them, compost them! A compost bin provides a steady supply of organic matter for next year’s mulch.

• Branch removal: Clear away fallen branches and twigs. They can be breeding grounds for insects and fungi if ignored.

  
  

• Gutter and bed cleaning: Clogged gutters and debris-packed beds can create moisture problems that stress nearby trees. A fall cleanup reduces risks and keeps your property looking tidy.

Trim and Prune Safely

Pruning is essential to tree health and safety. Fall and winter, when trees are dormant, are the best times to prune.

• Remove problem limbs: Dead, cracked, or diseased branches are more likely to break under heavy snow or ice. Removing them now reduces risk.

• Shape the canopy: Strategic trimming guides the future structure of your tree, improving airflow and reducing the risk of storm damage.

• Call in the pros: Larger branches require climbing or chainsaws, which can be hazardous. Our certified arborists can handle pruning safely and correctly, ensuring the tree’s long-term health.

Prepare for Winter Stress

Cold weather brings unique challenges to trees. Proactive care ensures they survive freezing conditions and come back strong in spring.

• Cabling and bracing: Weak limbs on large trees can snap under the weight of snow or ice. Cabling provides extra support, preventing breakage.

• Hydrate evergreens: Evergreen trees continue losing water through their needles during winter. A deep soak before the ground freezes keeps roots hydrated and helps prevent winter burn.

• Protect young trees: Consider wrapping the trunks of young or thin-barked trees to protect them from frost cracks, sunscald, and animal damage (like deer rubbing or rodent chewing).

Don’t Forget Routine Watering

Even though trees need less water in fall, consistency matters.

• Evergreens: These need the most attention. Weekly deep watering before the ground freezes help evergreens hold moisture through winter.

• Young trees: Newly planted trees need more water as they establish roots. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.

• Check soil moisture: A simple test is to stick your finger 2 to 3 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.

Keep Irrigation Systems in Check

Automatic irrigation systems should be adjusted seasonally.

• Avoid flooding: Overwatering in fall can drown roots.

• Winterize your system: Before freezing weather hits, drain and shut off irrigation systems to prevent pipe damage.

• Soil health: Consistently damp soil without flooding creates the perfect growing environment for tree roots.

Look Out for Pests and Diseases

Pests and diseases don’t go away because the weather cools down. They sometimes hide in bark, leaves, or soil.

• Common pests: Scale insects, borers, and mites can weaken trees if left unchecked.

• Diseases: Watch for cankers, early leaf drop, or unusual discoloration.

• Professional diagnosis: Identifying pests and diseases requires a trained eye. Our arborists can detect issues early and recommend targeted treatments.

Monitor Tree Safety and Structure

Your trees add beauty and value to your property, but if left unmaintained, they can also become hazard zones.

• Structural inspections: Look for weak unions where branches connect to the trunk, or signs of internal hollowing.

• Risk assessment: Not every problem means removal. Often, a tree can be saved with proper pruning or support.

• Peace of mind: Having a certified arborist evaluate your trees ensures safety while preserving their natural beauty.

Give Your Trees the Care They Deserve

Don’t wait until winter causes damage—prepare your trees today! At Canopy Keepers Tree Care LLC, our ISA Certified Arborists are on site to provide expert pruning, soil care, hazard inspections, and planting services to keep your trees strong year-round.