Fall is finally here and it's a great time to make sure your trees are well cared for. Here are a few things you should take care of before the first frost of Winter hits, brought to you by the Certified Arborists at Inexpensive Tree Care.

1. Autumn Tree Care Guide
From Inexpensive Tree Care

2. Fall is Finally Here
There's a chill in the air, the leaves are changing color, and that means
Winter is just around the corner. Autumn is a favorite season of many,
and it’s an important time to care for your trees-- whether they are
bearing fruit or merely ornamental.
Now is the time to give your trees the help they need
to survive the Winter and prepare for a healthy spring.

3. PLanting
If you’re hoping to plant new trees this year, now is a great time. Most trees are happy to be
planted in the Fall because temperatures are cooler, and the conditions allow them to better
establish their roots.
Also, because we’re nearing the end of growing season, you may be able to save some money
as local nurseries will likely be offering discounts.
Find out How To Plant a Tree Like a Pro.

4. Caring for Young Trees
The temperature changes that come with Fall and Winter can sometimes harm young or
freshly planted trees. This is because they generally are not developed well enough to
withstand the freezing and thawing.
You can protect your young trees by adding a thick layer of mulch to the soil around them.
Rather than applying it right up against the trunk, which can cause moisture buildup and
attract fungi, spread the mulch giving at least a 6-inch buffer. You can use leaves, bark chips,
or your own compost mixture.
You can also save your trees from fluctuating temperatures by wrapping the trunk up to the
lowest branch with burlap or tree wrap. This can also protect the tree from salt spray when
nearby roads are de-iced.

5. Watering
Once Winter sets in, the ground is likely to freeze, making it impossible for trees to access
water. So, it’s important to water your trees in the Fall as necessary.
In early Autumn, watering your trees will encourage new growth, which may not survive a
frosty Winter. Hold off on watering until all the leaves have fallen from your deciduous
trees.
By late Autumn, your trees will be mostly dormant and busy moving nutrients around to
prepare for Winter-- this is the perfect time to Water! Saturate the soil at least 2 feet deep to
encourage proper root growth. Newly planted trees can be watered at the base, while
mature trees should be watered at the drip line. Continue regular watering until snow falls
or temperatures routinely dip below 45 degrees.

6. Fertilizing
You’ll most likely want to wait until Spring to fetilize your trees as this can promote new
growth that will be damaged in the Winter.
However, it’s still a good idea to inspect your trees for signs of nutrient issues, such as:
● Wilting
● Reduced growth in branches and leaves.
● Yellow or pale green leaves (in trees that do not change color in fall).
● Leaves changing colors and falling earlier than usual.
In these cases, your trees may benefit from added nutrients. Contact your local nursery for advice.

7. Pruning
If you prune too early in the Fall, the trees’ open wounds can attract insects that are still actively
devouring bark and foliage. Like with watering, it’s best to wait until all the leaves have fallen
and/or the tree has gone dormant. At this point, most pests will have gone dormant as well.
When you do prune, start with the 3 D’s: dead, damaged, and diseased. Removing these branches
will not only make the tree look better, but also improve its health and structural integrity.
It’s best t wait for Spring when pruning purely for shape and aesthetics.
Prune lightly on flowering trees as next year's buds have already formed. Heavy pruning may
reduce next Spring's flower production.
Read: 5 Pruning Mistakes to Avoid

8. Harvesting
One of the reasons so many people love the Fall is because of all the delicious fruits and nuts
that are ripe for the picking. ‘Tis the season for:
FRUITS & NUTS
Apples
Avocados
Bananas
Citrus
Figs
Guava
Mangoes
Nectarines
Olives
Papayas
Peaches
Pears
Persimmons
Almonds
Black Walnuts
Chestnuts
Hazelnuts
Hickory Nuts
Pecans
Pistachios

9. Get Help From the Pros
For assistance with tree pruning, tree removal, and stump grinding
contact Inexpensive Tree Care today at 503-504-4179
or email Rod@InexpensiveTreeCare.com