Begin Preparing Your Trees for Winter
September is here and fall is around the corner! The leaves are dimming from lush shades of green to the crisp red and brilliant gold pigments of autumn. Fading trees are one of the most iconic symbols of fall, and enlisting the help of your Lafayette, IN tree service experts is the perfect way to help prepare them for the upcoming season.
The Root of It All
The roots are the foundation of your tree’s life. They are the gateway to key nutrients your tree needs to survive during the frigid months. Taking active steps to preserve the health of your tree’s roots during the fall will help ensure its survival during the upcoming winter. So what can you do?
- Secure Your Bases: Keeping the tree cleansed from developing rot will help preserve your roots over time. Rot can spread into the roots and prevent the flow of nutrients all the way to the top of the canopy—ultimately killing the tree.
- Water Regularly: Watering all of your plants, but especially your trees, regularly is key to preserving their roots! Wet soil holds in heat more efficiently than dry soil, which protects it from the chilly air approaching. Mulching around the base of the tree helps defend the roots of younger trees that need additional protection from the cold.
Many homeowners don’t think about the care that comes with preserving a tree’s roots. However, doing so will keep your trees healthy and strong—saving you the additional costs of tree removal later down the line.
But Don’t Forget the Branches!
While the roots are important for gathering proper nutrients from the soil, pruning your tree branches is also essential to healthy growth. There are 2 ways to go about this:
- For Ornamental or Fruit Trees: Branches can get weighed down by late summer blossoms or crisp autumn apples. Pruning is the best way to rid these branches of excess weight and direct healthier growth. Letting weighted branches get out of control can ultimately weaken the tree by causing structural decay.
- For Larger Trees: Excess growth among the tree’s branches increases the competition for nutrients, which can degrade the health of surrounding plants. Combine that with the limited nutrients available during the winter months, and you have a dangerous situation on your hands. Regular thinning not only prevents overgrowth, but it also makes it easier for the lower branches to get proper sunlight.
With decreasing sunlight and lowering temperatures, fall is the perfect time to open up your trees for proper sunlight and growth. Looking to get a head start on your tree care this fall? Our tree service experts have served the Lafayette, IN area for over 15 years, and are eager to help your trees get on the path to healthier growth.
Bottom Line
Now is the time to prepare your trees for the harsh winter chill. Luckily you’re not alone! Our team at Wildcat Creek Tree Service are experts in everything from thinning and pruning to tree removal. With over 15 years in the industry, our team of reliable professionals is here to help you meet all of your tree service needs. Give us a call at (765) 404-0938 or contact us online to get started!