Tree Care in Fall

Gardening Tip of the Day

For healthy trees next spring, trees need special maintenance during the fall and winter months.

Winter is the best time to prune. The wounds will not heal before winter if trees are pruned in the fall. In addition, pruning will stimulate new growth, which is not good in the fall.

If timely fall rains do not materialize, keep watering the trees until the ground freezes. This will prevent root damage. Continue to irrigate when dry until the soil and air temperature are below 40 degrees. Use a soaker hose to let the water slowly enter the tree’s root zone.

Place a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch over the soaker hose. The mulch will keep the roots insulated and from drying out. Keep the mulch 3 inches away from the trunk to prevent rodents from getting chewing on the tree trunk. The mulch should extend to the drip line of the tree.

Tree wraps can be used to protect young trees from rodents, sunscald, and cold winter winds. The wraps should be removed in the spring as soon as the trees break dormancy.

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