Ask Stewart: What Should I Be Doing for My Trees This Fall?

Hey Stewart,

What should I be doing for my trees in the fall?

Jeff

It’s good you’re planning ahead, Jeff. Fall is the perfect time to give your trees some attention before winter arrives. Here are three things to consider:

1. Prune

Fall can make it easier to spot weak or dangerous limbs on deciduous trees once their leaves have dropped. Proper pruning can help prepare trees for winter storms, high winds, and heavy rainfall.

Pruning can help remove diseased, damaged or dead limbs; crossing branches, water sprouts and suckers; and excess branch weight.

If your trees need extra support, cables and other tree support systems can help reduce the risk of tree failure.

2. Mulch — Remember 3/3/3

When mulching around a tree, remember the 3/3/3 rule: spread mulch about 3 feet around the base of the tree, keep it no more than 3 inches deep, and leave about 3 inches of space between the mulch and the trunk.

And no mulch volcanoes!

Proper mulching offers several benefits, including organic nutrients, water retention, weed suppression, root protection, and temperature moderation.

3. Plant New Trees

Cooler weather and increased rainfall can mean better tree survival and less irrigation. Fall weather is also good for root growth, giving newly planted trees time to establish.

Planting now can help give your new trees a strong start before the next growing season.

Have a TREE-mendous day!

Stewart

Stewart the Squirrel is the mascot of the Front Royal/Warren County Tree Stewards, a volunteer organization formed in 1997 to promote the health of trees in our community. Stewart answers tree questions in the Royal Examiner twice a month. To learn more about the Tree Stewards, visit treesfrontroyal.org.