How to Care for Your Tree This Fall
It’s important to show some care and maintenance to your trees during the fall season, helping them to recover from a long summer and preparing them for the winter ahead.
Many homeowners believe that trees are self-sufficient and little to nothing needs to be done to care for them. While they are capable of satisfying their most basic needs, there are absolutely steps we should take as homeowners to encourage and ensure the prolonged health of our trees. Below are some tips for taking care of your trees this fall.
Fertilization
It’s always important to make sure that your trees have plenty of nutrients, but especially so through fall when they’re recovering from a long, hot summer and in preparation for the brisk winter on its way.
The best kind of fertilizer to use is slow-release so that your trees can continue to feed from it. The nutrients taken from fertilizer help your trees to improve their health and prevent and damage they may face from insects and disease.
Don’t forget to rake away the fallen leaves that have gathered at the base of your tree as they’ll prevent the roots from receiving enough nutrients and water.
Pruning
Pruning is an important step in caring for your trees as well as your family and property. Hanging branches and limbs can be a hazard, whether they hang low or they’re at risk of falling. You can also prune your trees for structural purposes, as doing so can help you to gain a little control over which direction the tree continues to grow in.
Late fall and winter are the ideal times to prune your trees as this is their dormant season in which they scarcely grow. Pruning during this time is the safest for the health of the trees because they’re less susceptible to damage and disease. Additionally, pruning is easier during fall when most of the leaves have already fallen from the branches.
Pruning small branches can be a simple task, but the bigger ones can pose a risk to your safety. It’s best to call a certified arborist to take care of pruning your trees.
Hydration
Hydration is equally as important for the health of your trees as nutrients from the soil are. Trees can struggle to stay hydrated during the cold winter months, so it’s important to ensure they’re sufficiently watered. Fall is a great time to begin this process as the winter approaches and natural water sources are limited.
Planting
Fall is the most opportune time to plant new trees as they have the opportunity to grow and develop their root system without interference from the harsh elements of summer and winter. Particularly in Georgia, the summer sun can make it extremely difficult for new trees to develop, as can the harsh temperatures during winter.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss tree care, don’t hesitate to give us a call here at Empire Tree.