Getting Your Trees Ready For The Change In Seasons
Seasonal change is upon us; we are looking forward to cooler days and downright chilly nights, and as we put on extra layers to protect and insulate, our thoughts turn to our landscape as we prepare for this change.
Different types of trees need different care as you prepare for fall and winter. Regardless of whether your trees are leaf dropping or they stand tall and green year-round, follow these tips to keep your foliage in tip-top condition this season:
Do a little cleanup. Fall yard work may not be a pleasant chore, but it is necessary to keep a well-manicured, healthy landscape. Walk your property and inspect your trees for signs of decay and disease. Remove dead or diseased branches, trees, and other debris that could be compromising healthy growth around them. If this is not in your wheelhouse, consider hiring a professional arborist to assess your trees' house and help with removing dead foliage.
Prune and prepare for future growth. An essential step in the cleanup process is pruning. Proper pruning helps preserve the tree's health during more dormant seasons, and it also prepares the tree for new growth in the spring and summer months. You should have some knowledge of proper pruning techniques before attempting to cut back or remove foliage from your trees, or you could do additional damage to the tree structures that will negatively impact future growth. Again, consulting a professional before performing this essential step will be the key to preserving your trees' health long-term.
Wrap if necessary. When leaves die, with them goes a layer of protection that once protected your tree from the elements. Excessive wind, scorching sun, and searing heat can all cause damage to tree bark when it is exposed. If possible, wrap the trunk of your tree to seal in moisture, provide a barrier against the elements, and protect inner structures in preparation for new growth in the coming months.
Add mulch at the base. The addition of some mulch at the base of your trees provides an added layer of protection, as well as moisture retention for dryer months. When adding mulch to your trees' base, remember to leave a six-inch distance between your tree's trunk and the layer of mulch to prevent fungus growth. Your tree's root system will be fortified and well-protected.
Fertilize. Any change of season can result in a loss of vital nutrients in the soil around a tree's base. Adding a layer of high-quality fertilizer will provide some of those lost nutrients and fortify the surrounding soil, resulting in a stronger, healthier tree.
Consider planting new trees. With any change in season, we seldom know exactly what Mother Nature will throw at us. Planning ahead and planting new foliage will help in the event of tree loss. Proper tree placement is a strategic process of predicting growth patterns and combining with existing trees and shrubbery to provide a pleasing and healthy landscape. Knowing a bit about the trees you are planting or enlisting a professional's help will help you design the best landscape for you and for your property.
Need a professional assessment? Give us a call!
Fey and Sons, LLC is a group of professional arborists who are trained in all aspects of tree care. We specialize in inspection, pruning, trimming, removal, and installation of new trees and shrubs, all to create a beautiful landscape that adds value and life to your home and property. If you want help with the changing seasons, contact us today for a no-obligation assessment of your property. Visit https://www.sarasotatreeservice.com/ for more information. A beautiful, healthy landscape is in your future!