Your Fall Tree Care Checklist

Fall is one of those in-between seasons. The heat of summer finally starts to ease up, the air feels a little fresher, and before you know it, the trees are shifting into dormancy. It’s also the perfect time to give your landscape a little extra attention. Trees that are cared for now will be healthier through the winter and bounce back stronger in the spring.

Start with the basics: cleanup. After a long summer, most yards have their fair share of fallen branches, twigs, and plenty of leaves. Raking and removing this debris isn’t just about appearances - it keeps pests and diseases from settling in for the colder months. If you notice leaves that look spotted or moldy, don’t toss them on the compost pile. Bag them up and get rid of them so you aren’t reintroducing problems next year.

Once things are cleared out, take a good look at your trees. Are there any dead or cracked branches? Does the trunk have any splits, cavities, or fungi around the base? These can be signs that a tree isn’t as stable as it should be. Catching these issues in the fall gives you time to plan whether pruning or professional care is needed before winter weather rolls in.

Speaking of pruning - fall is a great time for it. With growth slowing down, a careful trim makes a big difference. Removing weak or dead branches reduces the chance of them snapping in heavy winds or ice. Plus, pruning lets more light reach your yard and encourages healthy new growth when spring comes back around.

Don’t forget the finishing touches. A fresh layer of mulch around the base of your trees helps lock in soil moisture, protect roots from temperature swings, and cut down on weeds. Just be sure to spread it evenly and keep it away from the trunk. Piling mulch against the bark can actually do more harm than good.

And while cooler weather means less frequent watering, your trees aren’t ready to be ignored. If rain is scarce, give them a slow, deep soak every week or two. This is especially important for younger or recently planted trees, which don’t have the established root systems older trees rely on. Going into dormancy well-hydrated sets them up for a much smoother start in the spring.

Taking care of your trees in the fall isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about small, steady steps that keep them strong and safe year after year. A little effort now pays off in a big way later - healthy trees, a beautiful yard, and fewer surprises when winter weather shows up.