Late fall is a great time to give your trees some TLC. If the summer was hot and dry, extra watering in late fall when they’ve gone into dormancy, helps keep them healthier through winter.
For new trees 3 years and younger:
- Newly planted trees require more attention, including watering until the ground freezes. This helps them manage the drying winds of winter as well. Evergreens in particular are vulnerable to winter burn.
- If you’re unsure how much to water, ask the Gerten Experts.
- Fertilize in late fall after the tree has gone into dormancy. A good rule of thumb is 12-3-12.
- Apply mulch to a depth of 3 to 6 inches depending on the size of your new planting. And spread it out past the canopy. Place it like a donut, not a volcano!
Newly planted pear tree
- Protect young trees from bark eating animals and sunscald using tree guards or wraps.
- Stake your new tree on the lower portion to protect it from high winds, large snowfalls and ice. The point in staking it low is to allow movement to strengthen it while providing a stabilize to keep it straight and protect the root system from upheaval.
Gertens offers tree guards and wraps
For older, established trees:
- Water from late fall until the ground freezes when there’s been a hot, dry summer. For example, 2020 was difficult on our trees and shrubs.
- Fertilize only if you’ve noticed decline in the tree. Things like pale leaf color, undersized leaves, reduced growth, dead branch tips, dieback. Most established trees do not need fertilizer every year.
- Do NOT fertilize any tree that has sustained root damage such as when roadwork or landscaping has been done. This will only stress them more.
- Prune out dead branches that look as though they could cause damage to property if a winter storm blows through.
Find out more on Preparing Trees and Shrubs for Winter here.
The experts at Gertens are always available to answer your questions!