Fall Tree Care

With the concentrated effort on water conservation, lots of people forget to water their trees and the drought of the late summer months can be particularly difficult. Enter Autumn’s initial rains, wind storms and first freezes and all of a sudden home owners and gardeners have a recipe for severe tree trouble. In fall, trees go dormant and deciduous trees shed their leaves. This indicates that active root development ends, even though trees will continue to absorb water and nutrients.

Here are some Fall Tree Tips (article number two):

If a home owner’s big trees have any of the following danger signs : too dense of a crown, too narrow of a crotch in between limbs, too wide a crotch, dead or weakened wood, or perhaps a cavity in the trunk seek the advice of a Certified arborist to help in pruning it. Additionally, if a tree is situated on a scenic view, an arborist can help prune the tree to permit the scenery to shine through. Do not top trees. Do not eliminate trees on a hillside, they’re most likely a significant source of erosion control.

Remove leaves after they fall in autumn to ensure any plants below the tree get sufficient water and light. This is a basic fall tree care procedure. Removing leaves also removes the environment that many insects thrive in.  These insects can damage your tree.

In Kentucky, the recycle program allows branches in recycle bins to be up to three inches in width so long as they’re chopped to fit easily in a container. Chipping machines can be hired or purchased and the resulting mulch is great for paths. Removing fallen branches prevents falls and twisted ankles, enables easy passage, and prevents further damage to plants underneath.

Because trees continue to take up water and nutrients, late fall or early spring is really a great time to fertilize a tree simply because winter rains will stop chemical burn. Homeowner’s ought to make certain that they fertilize after the first frost to prevent new tender growth from harm. Most trees do not need fertilizer even though fruiting and flowering trees may require it.

Depending on the insect that’s attacking a homeowner’s tree, various bug sprays may be required. Fall tree care requires spraying dormant fruiting trees.

Young trees planted where wind might damage them ought to be staked until their root ball has grown large enough to support them. Shield against deer as well as other animal pests by putting a little fence around the base to help keep young growth from being nibbled off and therefore killing the tree.