As autumn approaches in Wisconsin, it’s time to start thinking about how to prepare your trees for the changing season. A little attention now will help them stay healthy through the winter and thrive come spring. We’re breaking down the essential dos and don’ts of fall tree care. When in doubt, it’s always smart to consult a professional tree service.
Pruning Trees in the Fall
As the colder months hit, many of us think it’s time to trim back trees before the snow hits. While this might seem like a good idea, pruning your trees in the fall can actually do more harm than good. Here’s why:
- Slow-Healing Wounds: Pruning leaves your fall trees with wounds that heal slower in the colder months. These wounds leave your trees vulnerable to unwanted pests and diseases.
- Sap “Bleeding”: Pruning your trees at incorrect times can lead to them “bleeding”, referring to sap oozing out of your trees, during the spring months.
- Risky New Growth: Cutting branches promotes new growth, but this new growth won’t survive the winter, wasting the tree’s energy.
- Interrupting Dormancy: Trees enter a phase called dormancy, which refers to a period where the tree is alive, but not actively growing. Pruning can cause your tree to not enter dormancy at all, putting it at risk during the severe winter.
Enhancing Soil Health
While pruning is off the table, improving your soil is a great way to give your trees a boost. Healthy soil means stronger roots and overall better tree health. Professional soil remediation can tackle issues like poor water drainage, nutrient imbalances, and reduced gas exchange, all of which impact your tree’s vitality.
Another simple way to help is by fertilizing and mulching. Fertilizer delivers nutrients to the soil slowly, while mulch improves water drainage and temperature insulation. Just be sure not to pile mulch too high around the trunk—“mulch volcanoes” can harm your trees.
Protecting Trees from Pests and Diseases
Eco Tree Company uses sustainable practices like biological control and safe pesticide applications to keep pests and diseases at bay. But how do you know if your tree is under attack? Watch for these signs:
- Fall Tree Pests: Insects like aphids, caterpillars, and borers are still active in the fall. Chewed leaves or abnormal growths can indicate an infestation.
- Fall Tree Diseases: Powdery mildew and leaf spots are common in autumn. To prevent these, maintain good airflow through proper pruning and clear away fallen leaves.
Routine Maintenance and Cleanup
You already know that your tree’s fallen leaves need to be cleaned up, but what else needs to be done in the fall? Find a professional to conduct tree maintenance near you! A tree service professional can inspect your trees for structural issues, prepare them for winter, and offer tailored advice to keep your trees healthy throughout the colder months.
Prepare your trees for the changing seasons with professional care from Eco Tree Company. Schedule a consultation today to give your trees the expert attention they need. Let our team of arborists handle all your fall tree care needs.
