Falling autumn foliage is a sign that winter is on its way. In addition, fall is an excellent time where caring for your lawn can be a joy without blazing or freezing temperatures. Fall is also prime time to recoup tree health and examine your trees for damage before the winter season. Therefore, the certified arborists in the Tri-Cities area from Promier Tree share eight tree care tips for November so that your trees can blossom this spring.
Fertilize to Prepare Roots
Fall fertilization can help protect your trees from the winter freeze risk that comes with frigid temperatures. Trees on your property encounter high-stress conditions such as construction, physical damage, low moisture availability, and compaction. In addition, when you remove twigs and leaves, it deprives your trees of natural life-sustaining nutrients. Therefore, our Kingsport tree experts recommend regularly fertilizing to increase lifespan and make your trees less susceptible to diseases and insects.
Rake to Remove Leaves
Although leaves can create a powerful and natural mulch, they may also damage your lawn and spread disease. Fungi hide and overwinter in fallen tree leaves. Unfortunately, when the warm weather arrives and the first spring rains begin, the overwintering spores may awaken, posing a reinfection risk to your trees. Therefore, our certified arborists in Johnson City recommend raking and removing leaves to reduce disease.
Plant New Trees
Adding more trees to your property during fall can increase your home’s value. In addition, cooler temperatures reduce early death risks from drought or sun scorch. Therefore, newly planted trees can develop deep roots that provide life-sustaining nutrients during harsh conditions. To find out which trees are best for fall, feel free to consult with our Bristol ISA-certified arborists for a recommendation.
Strategically Place Mulch
Applying mulch is one thing you can do to protect your tree’s health during winter. The mulch acts as an insulator against cold winter temperatures while retaining organic matter and soil hydration. Tri-Cities tree care experts recommend a mulch ring that reaches the drip line for smaller trees and within a two-to-three-foot radius of the tree base for more giant trees. The mulch height should be two to four inches deep.
Water for Hydration
Watering your trees is a crucial fight against drought. Begin by watering trees in the morning to prevent daytime evaporation. Our Kingsport ISA-certified arborists recommend using a standard water hose or installed irrigation instead of a sprinkler that only waters the ground’s surface. When watering, place a dribbling water hose in one area for two to three hours before moving the hose. The soil should be moist after watering, but not soaking where you can make a mudball.
Treat with Anti-desiccants
Harsh winter conditions cause trees and shrubs to lose moisture from the leaf or needle pores caused by dry air and wind. As leaves need more water, the tree roots struggle to provide enough water for tree foliage. Therefore, the leaves and needles begin to brown and die. The cycle is the process of desiccation, otherwise known as winter burn. Johnson City’s ISA-certified arborists recommend applying anti-desiccant treatments to provide a protective wax coating that prevents moisture loss.
Protect against Tree Borers
During the autumn season, tree-boring insects hunt for a susceptible tree to establish a new home. Borers are one of many destructible pests plaguing a wide variety of tree species. Bristol tree experts at Promier Tree recommend protecting your trees by making them unappealing to borers during the late summer and early fall.
Prune Limbs and Cable when Needed
Regular tree pruning and maintenance to remove diseased, dying, or dead branches and limbs not only protects you and your property but also protects your tree’s health. Additionally, regular pruning and maintenance by a certified tree expert in the Tri-Cities area can help uncover tree damage or large branches that need stabilization or additional support with cabling.
Certified Arborists in Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol, Tennessee
Tree health is crucial for prolonged tree life and reduced risk of damage to your property. Following the above tips and asking professional arborists questions can result in healthy trees that provide shade and curb appeal for years. Therefore, feel free to contact our Kingsport ISA-certified arborists at Promier Tree with questions about proper fall tree care or schedule an appointment for a health evaluation. Please call Promier Tree at (423) 765-2626 or contact us online today!