Tree and Shrub Care in Fall

Even though trees experience a dormant period during the fall and winter, that doesn’t mean they won’t benefit from a little extra attention. There’s more to fall than the changing leaves. Your trees’ water and fertilizer needs will change, and it can be hard for the average home or business owner to keep track of these changes.

The best way to make sure your trees and shrubs get what they need is to get help from an experienced arborist like the ones at Baker Tree Services.

Benefits of Tree Pruning

Pruning your trees during fall will help them maintain their health and encourage new growth during the following spring and summer. Trees’ dormant periods are the ideal time to cut away damaged or dead branches since they will experience minimal stress during this time. Pruning services can make your plants look better and grow faster!

Pruning during fall helps protect your property from potential hazards as well; if snow piles up on a weak branch, it could collapse and cause property damage. A skilled arborist can assess your trees’ strength and cut away any branches that aren’t likely to survive the harsh winter storms we see in Western Maryland.

Benefits of Fertilizer in Fall

Like many mammals, trees and shrubs experience a dormant period during winter. During fall, trees and shrubs need to store nutrients to keep them going through the winter. That’s why slow-release fertilizer is ideal at this time of year. It keeps the root systems strong and encourages more growth when the weather warms up again.

If you aren’t sure what type of fertilizer to use, consulting with an arborist is a great idea. They can assess your soil’s nutrient composition, pH level, and more to help you find the perfect fertilizer to maintain your trees throughout the fall and winter.

Seasonal Tree Pest Control for Fall

Fall and winter are a slow time for pests as well as plants, but that doesn’t mean you can write them off completely. This is also a great time to get ahead of the pests, preparing for their return in the spring with a few adjustments to your landscape.

For instance, dormant oil sprays can be used to kill any bug eggs that might have been laid on your trees or shrubs. Raking leaves isn’t just about looking neat; it also reduces the number of places where insects and rodents can overwinter.

Common Western Maryland Pests to Watch For

Pest control and tree care go hand in hand. Here in Western Maryland, there are several pests just waiting to chow down on your landscaping. Here are just a few:

• Tussock (or Gypsy) Moths: They nest in trees and can cause stress.
• Bark beetles: As the name implies, these beetles burrow through a tree’s protective bark.
• Deer: It might seem strange to list deer here, but deer still need to eat during cold weather, and your landscaping might just be the perfect buffet.

Keeping an eye out for these and other pests can go a long way toward keeping your landscaping beautiful and healthy. Acting fast once you see a problem can prevent it from spiraling out of control.

Additional Winterization Tips

While you’re waiting for the pros to handle the pruning, fertilizing, and pest control, there are a few things you can do to make your trees a little more resilient.

• Add mulch to your landscaping: Mulch acts like a blanket, keeping the roots warm and moist even when temperatures drop. Apply mulch in a 2-4 inch deep layer, leaving a few inches free around the base of the tree or shrub. This will let the plant breathe while protecting the vulnerable roots.
• Continue watering, but change a few aspects: Trees and shrubs still need water during fall and winter, but they won’t need as much. Water less often and for less time. If you can, do all your watering in the early morning before the sun rises. This minimizes evaporation and freezing time, allowing your plants to drink up.

Keep Your Trees and Shrubs Healthy All Year Round

Fall might not be a time of major growth for your trees and shrubs, but if you give them a little extra attention during this time, you’ll be rewarded when spring returns. No matter what your trees and shrubs need, our team can make sure they get it. With proper pruning, fertilization, and pest management, we’ll keep your landscape healthy no matter what time of year it is.

Give us a call for a no-obligation consultation! Now is the perfect time to give your trees and shrubs a head start.