Fall Tree Care in the Finger Lakes:
Preparing Your Trees and Landscape for Winter
Why Do Trees Lose Their Leaves in Fall?
Just what is happening to your trees in the Fall? As the daylight decreases and temperatures drop, trees begin to enter a period of dormancy to conserve energy and resources for Winter. Deciduous trees shed their leaves to reduce water loss and prevent cold damage. The brilliant autumn colors we see are the result of chlorophyll breaking down, revealing the other pigments in the leaves. It’s nature’s way of preparing for the next season.
Don’t wait until the first snowflakes fall. Proper preparation now can help ensure your trees and landscape say strong through winter and thrive in spring. Here are some practical fall tree care tips to help your trees survive and flourish:
How to Prepare Your Trees for Winter – Fall Tree & Plant Health Care (PHC) Tips:
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Inspect Your Trees for Stress and Disease
A healthy tree starts with good diagnostics. Look for signs of pests, diseases, or stress caused by the hot summer months. Common signs include discoloration, wilting, or damaged (broken) branches. Early intervention can save you from more costly repairs or removals in the future. Think something is up with your tree? Connect with us and our Certified Arborists who have the expertise to identify potential issues that may worsen during the winter, or that we can help get ahead of, so the tree has a good start to Spring.
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Soil Amendments for Future Growth
Fall is a great time to feed your trees. As the ground cools, tree roots continue to grow, albeit slower, and they can still absorb nutrients throughout the Fall. Applying soil amendments (think of these like tree vitamins!) like our signature Compost Tea™ helps your trees store vital nutrients for the coming Spring. It’s important to use the right type of amendments that are tailored to our local Rochester and Finger Lakes soil conditions. Our Plant Health Care (PHC) program can make a real difference in the next growing season.
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Mulch for Protection
Mulching is one of the best ways to protect trees not only from drought and competing plants, but it also helps roots from freezing in our subzero New York Winter temperatures. A 2 to 4 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree helps insulate the soil, conserve moisture, and protect roots from temperature fluctuations. Remember to keep mulch away from the trunk. Do the “tree donut” (not a volcano!). Need help installing a much ring? Our team can assist!
Pruning Your Trees for
Long-Term Health
Pruning is as much science as art and practicality. Removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches before cold weather hits, we can help prevent potential hazards and reduce the risk of winter storm damage. Our team of Arborists perform targeted, professional pruning to ensure the best possible outcome for your property and your trees.
Whipping winter winds, snow, and ice can cause significant damage to trees. Protecting young or thin-barked trees (cherries, maples, crabapples, planetrees, redbuds, birch) with trunk wrapping can prevent frost cracks, especially for younger or thin-barked trees. Ask us about this service.
During any consultation our ISA Board Certified Master Arborist®, Marty, always evaluates trees for long-term health and this can include cabling or bracing needs. If they have weak structures or unions, previous storm damage, overhanging leads, or other risks, cabling and bracing can help trees withstand snow and ice loads that are common along Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes.
Protect Against Winter Damage
We combine our expertise as Certified Arborists with a passion for plant health and sustainable tree care. Our Plant Health Care (PHC) services are designed to keep your trees and landscape thriving year-round, from spring growth through winter dormancy. We use the latest industry practices and bring our commitment to sustainable care to every job.
Whether you need advice on fall tree care, help with disease management, pruning, removal, or a full-service tree health assessment, we are here to provide the knowledge and services you need.