This week’s blog is going to focus on some of the things you need to think about when prepping your trees for the fall and the impending cold weather. Let’s jump right in!
Helping to make sure that your trees regain the nutrients they’ve lost and will lose – fertilization is an important part of any fall tree maintenance plan. We highly recommend a slow-release fertilizer to help disperse nutrients over time and improve your tree’s resistance to damage from disease, insects and stressful weather.
Fertilizer can do a lot of good for your trees and will help address trouble spots and other potential hazards your trees could face in the winter. But as we always say – whenever you’re using chemicals or growth agents – it’s best to call a pro!
Hydrating the right way
In the fall, it’s important to hydrate your trees frequently before the cold weather of the winter arrives. This is a bit of a balancing act as the weather gets colder and you’ll want to be as efficient as possible.
One way to do this is doing what we call subsurface watering – as it’s a surefire way to make sure that you reach your trees’ roots. Essentially all subsurface watering is – is using an injection probe to ensure water makes it 12 inches into the soil – the prime feeding space for your trees. It’s a great process to use for any trees or plants that may be new and less established or that need a little extra bump from the stress of drought.
Planting
Believe it or not – if you’re looking to add trees or shrubs to your landscape – the fall is the best time to do it. Because temperatures aren’t as severe in the fall, there’s less stress that’s going to be put on a tree that’s trying to establish itself. You won’t have to worry about things like burnt trees, high temperatures, or drought. Also, if you do things the right way and prep your young plants with lots of nutrients and other goodies – you’ll give them a chance to really thrive once the cold weather departs
and prime growing season in the spring and summer rolls in.
Prepping for the cold
For more established trees, it’s time to get them ready to the winter. That means you need to cable, brace and prune them before branches get cold and the snow and ice arrive. Especially if you’ve got a weaker tree with weaker branches and root systems, it’s important to get on this now as they may not be strong enough to make it through the winter. Pruning is especially important – as once the leaves fall off the trees you’ll be able to identify problem spots much more clearly.
Are you looking to get your trees ready for the fall? Give us a call and we’ll help you run down all the things you need to do to make sure they’re ready for the harsh weather and help give them the best possible chance at coming back strong in the spring!