If you live in the Pacific Northwest, chances are your home or property is surrounded by trees. While they may not need as much attention as your garden beds, they shouldn’t be overlooked—especially as fall approaches.
As summer fades and cooler weather sets in, trees begin their beautiful transformation, with leaves turning from green to vibrant shades of rust, red, and gold.
While autumn signals winter’s approach, it’’s also the ideal time to give your trees some attention. Preparing them now not only protects them through the colder months but also sets them up for strong, healthy growth in the spring.
By following our fall tree care checklist, you’ll help your trees stay strong through winter and thrive in the seasons ahead.
1. Soil Enrichment
In forests, the soil beneath trees is naturally rich from the organic matter and fallen leaves that accumulate. However, your home landscape often lacks this nutrient cycle. To create healthier soil for your trees, follow these three steps to mimic the natural forest floor environment.
Fall Fertilization
Replenish nutrients by applying a slow-release fertilizer in the fall. This type of fertilizer mimics nature by gradually supplying essential nutrients throughout the seasons. Consistent nutrient access helps trees grow strong roots, leaves, and wood as they prepare for the next growing season.
Mulch Refresh
Refreshing your mulch each fall is essential for tree health. A layer of high-quality, organic mulch not only adds nutrients to the soil but also conserves moisture, regulates soil temperature, and prevents erosion.
Use materials like shredded leaves, wood chips, or weed-free straw. Spread 1 to 2 inches of mulch around the tree’s base, but be careful not to pile it against the trunk. Keep the mulch 2 to 3 inches away from the trunk to avoid moisture buildup, which can cause bark rot.
Irrigation Reduction
As temperatures cool and trees enter dormancy, reduce irrigation. With less evaporation and plant growth, trees need less water during the fall. Excessive watering can flood the soil, leading to root damage and disease. Aim to keep the soil moist, not waterlogged, unless rainfall occurs naturally. If you need help assessing your tree’s needs, consult a tree service in Vancouver, WA.
2. Seasonal Clean-Up
Proper clean-up is a key part of fall tree care. Managing fallen leaves and branches the right way will help prepare your trees for the winter months, ensuring they stay healthy and ready to grow in spring.
Remove Leaf Piles from Lawn and Garden Beds
Autumn leaves are beautiful, but once they fall, it’s important to clean them up. Raking leaves off your lawn keeps the grass healthy and prevents snow mold. To make the job easier, rake the leaves onto a plastic tarp for easy transport.
Add the leaves, lawn clippings, and gutter debris to a compost bin. Turn the pile with a garden fork once a month to aerate it. By next year, you’ll have rich compost or mulch to nourish your trees and shrubs.
Tree Pruning
Pruning your trees is a vital task to perform each year. Removing dead, diseased, or hazardous branches not only protects your property but also helps shape the tree’s structure for future growth.
Cut dead or damaged branches before winter snow and winds can cause them to break. Trim cracked or diseased limbs close to the trunk, avoiding leftover stubs, and leave the cuts exposed to heal naturally. If any branches seem too large or high to manage safely, reach out to Tree Contractor’s arborists for professional assistance.
3. Preparation for Winter
Winter is on the way, and preparing your trees for snow, frost, and freezing temperatures is key to helping them weather the season safely.
Support Weak Limbs with Cables or Braces
If you have large, weak branches on your trees, they might need extra support to handle harsh winter conditions. Cabling and bracing stabilizes weak branch unions and overextended limbs on your larger trees, which will reduce stress and damage caused by strong winds, heavy snow, and ice buildup. A tree service in Vancouver, WA, can provide expert cabling and bracing for added protection.
Water Your Evergreens
Fall is the perfect time to give your trees a deep drink before winter sets in. Evergreens are particularly vulnerable to water loss during winter while their roots are frozen.
To ensure your evergreens are well-hydrated, water them frequently throughout fall. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, until the ground freezes. Deep root watering with slow soaking once a week is the most effective way to keep your tree properly hydrated.
Simple Fall Tree Care Tips to Keep Your Trees Strong Year-Round
Taking care of your trees in the fall is a simple way to ensure they stay healthy and strong all year long. By nourishing the soil, trimming back dead branches, and preparing for the colder months, you’re giving your trees the best chance to handle winter’s challenges.
Whether it’s supporting weak limbs or properly hydrating evergreens, these simple steps will help your trees stay strong through the seasons. A little effort now will help your trees flourish, keeping your property beautiful and your trees healthy for seasons to come.
For more tree care tips and advice, contact Tree Contractors Northwest, your trusted tree service in Vancouver, WA, today.