Ironwood Earthcare wants all property owners to have healthy trees going into the winter season. Taking care of trees in the fall is crucial to ensure their health and vitality during the winter and into the following growing season. In Denver, Colorado, where the climate can vary, here are some tree care tips for the fall:
Inspect and Prune: Before winter sets in, inspect your trees for any dead, diseased, or broken branches. Prune these away to prevent them from falling during winter storms and potentially causing damage. This is also a good time to shape the tree and remove any crossed or rubbed branches.
Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of your trees, but make sure not to pile it up against the trunk. Mulching helps insulate the soil, retain moisture, and protect the roots from extreme temperature fluctuations.
Watering: Continue to water your trees until the ground freezes. This is particularly important in Denver’s semi-arid climate where trees can suffer from winter drought stress. Deep watering helps trees build up moisture reserves for the winter.
Fertilize: Fall is a good time to apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer to your trees. This provides them with essential nutrients that can be absorbed gradually over the winter months.
Protect from Wildlife: In the fall, wildlife like deer may be looking for food and might damage trees by rubbing their antlers against the bark. Consider using tree wraps or barriers to protect the trunks.
Prevent Sun scald: Young or thin-barked trees can be vulnerable to Sun scald, which occurs when the sun heats up the bark on a cold day, causing it to expand and then crack when the temperature drops again. You can wrap the trunk with tree wrap to prevent this.
Prevent Winterburn: If you have evergreen trees, they can experience Winterburn due to dehydration from winter winds and sun. Water them adequately until the ground freezes and consider anti-desiccant sprays to reduce water loss from leaves.
Fall Planting: If you’re considering planting new trees, fall can be an excellent time to do so. The cooler temperatures allow new trees to establish their root systems before the hot summer arrives.
Prepare for Winter Storms: Denver can experience heavy snowfall in the winter. To prevent branches from breaking under the weight of snow, you can use a soft broom to gently brush snow off the branches after a heavy snowfall.
Consult an Arborist: If you’re unsure about any aspect of tree care or need advice specific to your trees, consider consulting a certified arborist. They can assess your trees’ health and provide expert recommendations.
Remember that while these tips can provide general guidance, it’s important to consider the specific needs of the tree species you have and the unique conditions of your yard. Customizing your tree care approach based on these factors will yield the best results.
Not everyone that has trees on their property has the ability to handle tree-related tasks. The professional team at Ironwood Earthcare is happy to assist in any tree, shrub, or lawn care related duties! Simply fill out a contact form on our website, call for an estimate at 303-366-3020
