Fall is a time when everyone is preparing to face the coldest time of year. That includes your trees and shrubs! These plants generally overwinter and experience a dormant period that lasts until spring warmth returns. During this time, plants won’t use their energy to grow; they’re saving it for springtime. However, if you put in a little effort to help them out, they’ll reward you by looking better than ever when the growing starts again.
With professional help from a tree expert from Treemasters, your trees won’t just survive; they’ll thrive. Read on to learn more!
Benefits of Tree and Shrub Pruning in Autumn
Did you know that plants can experience stress? They can get stressed in response to sudden temperature changes, transplantation, and – you guessed it – pruning. Just like for people, stress can be very harmful to the plant’s overall health. Since your plants are dormant during cooler weather, they’ll experience less stress when pruned. Pruning during the fall also encourages healthy growth in springtime.
While we don’t usually see snow and ice in Marin County during the winter, when it does happen, it can be devastating for your trees and shrubs. Weak or damaged branches can break under the unexpected weight, damaging the trees themselves and the property around them. By having a tree expert assess your trees before winter sweeps in, you can prevent this from happening.
Regardless of the time of year, if a tree or limb falls on your property, you can count on us to provide emergency tree service. We’re available to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Should I Fertilize My Trees and Shrubs During Fall?
Yes! Even though trees and shrubs don’t continue to grow during cold weather, they still need nutrition and water. Plants are always getting ready for the next season. To give them a little extra boost through the cooler months, you can feed them slow-release fertilizer. This can help strengthen their roots and help them jumpstart healthy growth in spring.
A lot of factors go into deciding which tree fertilizer is best for your yard. Just to name a few, your tree expert will consider the types of trees and shrubs you’re growing, the nutrient composition and pH levels of the soil, and the amount of sunlight your yard gets. A little expert advice goes a long way!
Common Fall Tree Pests and Diseases
In Marin County, pests and tree diseases are generally a bigger threat to your landscape than winter weather. Pests do slow down when the weather cools, but they never stop; just like your plants, they’re prepping for spring. A few common pests and diseases to look out for include…
- Gypsy moths: Their caterpillars eat leaves fast enough to cause real harm to your trees and shrubs. They’re also an invasive species.
- Deer: You may not think of deer as a pest that harms trees, but they do! When there’s less foliage to eat, they’ll resort to bark – exposing the trees to disease. At Treemasters, we have humane ways to drive deer away from your trees.
- Needle cast: This is a fungal disease that affects needled trees like firs, spruces, and pines. If you notice your evergreens looking less green, this fungus might be the culprit.
What can you do to control bugs during fall? You can get ahead of them by using a dormant oil spray to suffocate any eggs they laid on your plants. By preventing them from hatching, you won’t have as many to deal with once the weather warms up again.
How Can I Help My Trees and Shrubs During Fall?
Adding a few steps to your yard care routine can go a long way toward improving the health of your trees and shrubs. Consider the steps below:
- Insulate with mulch: A 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the base of your trees and shrubs will help them retain moisture and stay warm. Leave a gap so the mulch doesn’t touch the trunk itself; otherwise, the roots could suffocate.
- Water less, but keep it up: Your plants will still need a little water even though they’re dormant. Water less often and use less water when you do. Also, water during the early morning to minimize evaporation and freezing. That gives your trees more time to drink up!
- Raking leaves: Believe it or not, this common autumnal chore is great for keeping rodents and bugs away. Fallen leaves are a great place for them to hide. Getting leaves off the ground removes that hiding place.
Treemasters: Your Trusted Autumn Tree Care Team
Fall is a slow period for trees and shrubs, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to stop caring for them. With help from one of the certified arborists at Treemasters, your trees and shrubs will be healthier than ever. We can give your trees all they need to survive the winter and grow stronger during spring.
We’ve been working in the Marin County area for 35 years. Our team cares for your trees as if they were our own, and we’re eager to put our skills to work for you. Give us a call today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation!
Preparing for Winter: Fall Tree and Shrub Care in San Rafael and the North Bay Area
Serving Marin, Sonoma, and San Francisco County