Just because summer is in the rearview doesn’t mean that your tree maintenance obligations are also behind you. There are plenty of things you can do during the fall months to safeguard your trees against harsh winter weather. Here are a few vital steps to take to ensure your trees are still thriving come spring. 

How Can You Maintain Your Trees in Fall? 

1. Mulching

Mulch keeps water in the soil and prevents the temperature from dropping too low. That’s why mulching in the fall and winter is so crucial to the health of your trees. Surrounding the base with a thin layer of mulch keeps roots protected from freezing conditions. Mulch also offers essential nutrients to tree roots, which can be in short supply when the temperature gets colder. 

2. Pruning

While pruning is essential to the health of your trees, doing it at the wrong time will have an opposite effect. Feel free to prune dead or dying branches going into fall, but it’s best to make as few cuts as possible. It’s likely that these cuts won’t completely heal in time for winter, which leaves your tree vulnerable diseases and pests. Late winter to early spring is usually the preferred time period for tree pruning.

3. Watering 

As temperatures drop, it will be harder for trees to pull moisture from the soil. Give them a good watering just after they start shedding their leaves to ensure the roots are properly hydrated going into the winter months. You can also lightly water trees throughout the winter, provided the ground isn’t frozen. 

This fall, get help with tree maintenance from the professionals. Serving homeowners throughout Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, OH, Bluegrass Tree Service, LLC will ensure your trees can withstand harsh winter weather. Their residential tree services include pruning, stump removal, and storm clean-up, which really comes in handy this time of year. And with more than three decades of experience, you can rest assured of quality service and advice. Call (859) 746-0708 to get started on your free estimate. You can also see the complete listing of services online.