The fall season is the perfect time to prepare your trees for harsh winter conditions and prep them for a good start in spring. Through good cultural practices and preventive measures, you can boost the vigor and health of your trees. Therefore, our Tri-Cities ISA-certified arborists at Promier Tree share on the blog today five ways to prepare your trees for winter so that they can thrive throughout the spring growing season.
1. Look for pruning issues
The best pruning opportunities come after your trees lose their leaves. Not only is it easier to see the tree branch structure, but it can allow for more selective and clean cuts. Our Johnson City tree care experts recommend removing non-beneficial plant parts, including broken, dead, or crossing branches. Additionally, look for and remove epicormic sprouts in the canopy and basal sprouts around the root collar or trunk.
2. Fertilize for health and growth
Fall is the season when tree roots produce more root growth. Your tree’s root system is vital as it acts like storage organs or banks to provide energy at a later time. The stored starches become energy used on demand during growth months when leafing and flowering occur. Therefore, our Bristol ISA-certified arborists explain that fertilizing your trees in the fall can increase soil nutrient levels that promote root production and new spring growth. Fertilization is essential for newly established or young trees as they respond well to supplemental feeding.
3. Mulch or reapply mulch to tree bases
Mulching around your trees can replenish root systems with nutrients and provide a protective layer against extreme temperatures. Additionally, mulch helps control soil moisture levels during drier winter months. Our Tri-Cities tree care experts explain that applying new mulch in the fall is critical for tree health come spring. Therefore, place fresh mulch around the tree base, making sure the mulch doesn’t touch the tree trunk to prevent pests and diseases.
4. Water your trees until there is little or no rainfall
As the summer storms come to a close and yield to cool dry air with low precipitation rates, it can take a toll on tree health. Therefore, our Johnson City ISA-certified arborists recommend deep watering your trees through supplemental irrigation to prevent root damage and dehydration. Because fall is known for cooler temperatures, it’s best to water your trees when the temperature is above 40 degrees, in the midday sun, and with about 5 gallons of water per inch of tree diameter.
5. Take inventory of your current trees
Fall is a great time to assess your property for areas to plant new trees in the spring. With plenty of time to research different species during the winter months, it can give you ample time to decide on suitable locations and species selection. Our Kingsport tree care experts explain that your tree inventory can help highlight areas for new trees and come in handy when selling your home, as trees can increase your home’s value.
ISA-Certified arborists in Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol, Tennessee
There is a significant amount of resources where you can learn more about proper tree care. However, when you are uncertain about how to skillfully maintain your trees or prefer professional services, it’s crucial to contact our ISA-certified arborists in Bristol for assistance. Our certified arborists can identify, analyze, evaluate, and offer effective treatments for trees on your property. Therefore, contact our arborists at Promier Tree for a consultation by calling (423) 765-2626 or contacting us online to schedule an appointment.