As August comes to an end, we’re looking forward to the cooler temperatures and rich colors of fall. There are a variety of plants and smaller shrubbery that can make your landscaping a showstopper this season. However, there’s another cornerstone of landscaping that needs care during the fall as well – your trees. Here are four steps to take to make sure your tries stay strong and healthy this fall and winter.
Fertilize for Fall
The extreme heat of summer can take a toll on your trees in many ways. One of the most concerning problems with summer heat is that the soil surrounding your trees may lose vital nutrients. This nutrient deficit can impact the well-being of your trees, leaving them even more vulnerable to the extreme temperatures of winter. To give your trees the best chance at thriving, be sure to fertilize your trees over the fall and winter. A slow release fertilizer is a great choice to revive your trees and protect them from the nutrient deficits of extreme temperatures.
Hydrate for Health
Did you know that there is such a thing as a winter drought? We’re accustomed to thinking about droughts caused by hot weather, but winter can also be a challenging time for trees to stay properly hydrated. Fall is a good time to give your trees a hydration boost. When weather permits, continue to water your trees during the fall months. Take care not to water during freezing temperatures.
Make the Most of Mulch
Mulch not only adds a finishing touch to your landscaping, it serves an important purpose. Putting mulch around your trees in the fall helps to retain moisture for trees that might be dehydrated. Mulch also adds an extra layer of protection against the harsh temperatures of winter. Make sure to get your mulching finished in the fall to take advantage of all the benefits.
Keep the Deer Away
Every year in the spring, deer shed their old antlers and start growing new ones. These antlers are coated with a velvet cover. By fall, when the antlers are fully grown, the velvet cover starts to itch, causing deer to look for relief. Trees are often a target for deer to rub their antlers on, and if you’re not careful, your beautiful landscaped trees can become a target. When deer rub their antlers on your trees, they can cause significant damage to the inner and outer bark. If this occurs, there’s a good chance that your tree won’t survive the winter. There are several options for protecting your tree trunks from deer. The best protection is a physical barrier like a fence or a tree guard that fits around the trunk. You can also use plastic or mesh to wrap the tree trunk. A DIY option can be fashioned from chicken wire and burlap. Keep in mind that barriers are most effective if they are at least six feet tall.
Brace for Winter Weather
Heavy snow loads and the winds of winter storms can damage your trees, making them more susceptible to disease and even death. Fall is the perfect time to prune any unruly branches and cable or brace trees that may need extra support. For young trees, you can wrap the base in burlap or surround the base with a plastic or metal guard to provide extra insulation and protection against the cold weather.
Fall is right around the corner, so now is the perfect time to prepare for keeping your trees healthy and strong throughout the cold weather season. With these few easy steps, you’ll be able to protect your trees and enjoy them for years to come. The Shreckhise Shrubbery team is always here to help with whatever questions or landscaping needs you might have. Stop by or give us a call!
Let’s Get Growing,