As the weather cools down, fall is a crucial time to get your Maitland landscaping and trees ready for the coming winter months. Proper fall tree trimming and preparation can set up both deciduous and evergreen trees for optimal health, appearance, and safety through the winter.
Here is your guide to fall tree care for a beautiful Maitland landscape:
Why Fall Tree Trimming Matters
Fall is an important tree trimming season for several reasons:
- Removes dead or dying branches that may fall or allow disease/pests to enter during winter months.
- Thins canopy to allow more light and air circulation.
- Shapes and balances growth from the spring and summer.
- Encourages new growth in the next season.
When to Trim Trees in Fall
The best time for fall tree trimming is late October through November, once leaves have begun changing color or falling. Key signs it’s time:
- Deciduous trees start dropping leaves.
- Sap flow starts to slow in all trees.
- Evergreens begin to harden with colder weather.
Trimming too early risks new growth getting damaged by cold. Too late risks tree injuries bleeding sap rather than sealing correctly.
What Trees to Trim
Fall trimming is beneficial for most trees, but prioritize:
- Large deciduous trees: Oak, maple, elm, etc.
- Evergreens: Spruce, fir, pine.
- Fruit trees: Apple, peach, plum, orange.
- Nut trees: Pecan, walnut, hickory.
Use discretion with birch, willow, and other delicate trees.
How to Trim Trees Properly
Proper technique is crucial for healthy, attractive trees. Follow these key guidelines:
Safety First
- Use proper safety gear: glasses, gloves, ear protection.
- Clear area of people, vehicles before felling branches.
- Get professional help with large branches or trees near buildings.
Prune Thoughtfully
- Always have a purpose, such as clearing diseased wood, thinning canopy, or shaping form. Never remove healthy growth without reason.
- Make clean cuts just outside branch collars without leaving stubs.
- Use sharp, sterile pruning tools to minimize injury to the tree.
- Apply wound paint to cuts over 1 inch diameter.
Remove All Debris
When finished, gather and properly dispose of all fallen twigs, branches and leaves to keep yard clean and discourage pests.
What to Prune
Target the following tree parts for fall pruning:
- Dead or dying branches: Remove fully to improve tree health.
- Crossing/rubbing branches: Clear for optimal growth.
- Dense interior branches: Thin up to 30% to let in light and air.
- Low branches: Prune for clearance over walkways, vehicles, structures.
- Water sprouts: Cut flush with the branch collar.
- Suckers: Pull out fully from root zone.
Leave major structural changes like crown reduction to spring.
When to Call a Professional
While many trimming tasks can be DIY, it’s best to hire a professional arborist for:
- High climbing with chainsaws or large branches.
- Utility line clearance.
- Trees leaning over structures.
- Large rotted or hollow trunks and limbs.
Certified arborists have specialized equipment, access, and knowledge to prune trees that present safety or complexity beyond typical homeowners.
Fall Lawn Care Under Trees
Along with trimming branches, prepare your Maitland landscaping and lawn for winter with these tips:
Rake Fallen Leaves
Rake up leaves weekly to:
- Prevent grass suffocation and disease.
- Reduce hiding places for pests like mice.
- Stop leaves from matting into heavy layers.
Aerate Compacted Soil
Use a core aerator to punch holes in hardened soil under trees.This allows:
- Water, air, and nutrients to better reach grass roots.
- Grass to grow thicker to crowd out weeds.
- Roots to grow deeper and stronger.
Fertilize Lawns
Apply a balanced fertilizer in early fall to help grass recover from summer stress. Slow-release organic formulas provide steady nutrients through early winter.
Reseed Bare Spots
Fill in patches of bare dirt to prevent weeds. Rake smooth, sow grass seed, water gently and cover with straw.
With proper fall tree trimming and lawn care, your Maitland landscape will stay healthy and beautiful through the coming winter months.
For professional tree services in Maitland, contact the experts at Tree Work Now. Their ISA certified arborists provide safe, proper tree pruning, removal, and health management. Keep your landscape looking its best this fall and all year round with Tree Work Now!
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