Fall is prime time for preparing your trees to withstand the cold of winter. The weather is mild, and cold weather will not arrive for a few more months, so you will have sufficient time to take action to help your trees thrive. To set your trees up for success, follow the tips outlined in this fall seasonal tree care checklist.
Add a Layer of Mulch Around the Base of Your Trees
To protect tree roots from frost heaving, add a three-inch layer of mulch around the base of your trees. Because soil will heat and thaw many times throughout winter, frost heaving will occur due to pressure that builds up in the soil from temperature fluctuations. When there is enough pressure buildup, the tree roots are pushed out of the ground, and they will be compromised by cold temperatures. Furthermore, mulch will ensure your trees have an adequate amount of moisture to survive during dormancy.
Replenish the Soil Nutrients
During the summer months, the soil loses nutrients. Add water and fertilizer to the soil, so trees can procure the nutrients that is needed to thrive during their dormant periods. Replenishing nutrients will also set trees up for success when it is time for them to start growing in the spring.
Have an Arborist Thoroughly Wrap Your Trees
Wrapping trees protects them from being damaged by winter sun exposure or frost. For the best protection, wrap the trunk of the tree using some form of insulated material. Materials that are suitable for tree wrapping include cardboard, paper or burlap. Talk to a licensed tree care specialist about wrapping your trees to protect them during winter.
Remove Trees That Are Diseased or Dying
Trees that are diseased or dying pose a risk to your other trees because they can spread illness. Not only can healthy trees be compromised, diseased or dying trees can damage property or harm people if they should fall. Do not attempt tree removal yourself because you can put yourself or others in great danger. You can also damage property if you are not careful. Leave tree removal up to the professionals because they have the training and the tools to perform this task safely.
Trim or Prune Trees to Remove Diseased or Dead Parts
Experts usually advise against pruning or trimming trees in the fall because doing so can put them in a weakened state. Wounds will not have adequate time to heal before the trees go into dormancy. However, there are exceptions to this rule. If there are parts of a tree that are diseased or decaying, you need to remove them before the rest of the tree is impacted.
Always hire an arborist for trimming and pruning work to avoid damaging or killing your trees. Implementing this seasonal tree care checklist for fall may seem daunting; however, we are always here to guide you.
If you need tree trimming and pruning or other tree care help, contact us at Altar Tree Service, an industry leader in tree care in Salem, OR.
