Fall Tree Care Checklist
As fall approaches and the weather begins to cool in Oklahoma, preparing your trees for winter and the following spring is crucial to ensure their health and resilience. Taking steps to care for your trees during the fall can help protect them during the winter and allow for optimal growth in the spring. Keep your trees thriving by following our optimal care checklist below.
1. Prune with Care
Tree pruning is a necessary practice that you should be doing every year. It is essential to prune dead, diseased, or damaged branches to prevent breakage during the winter or improper growth in the spring. Pruning will influence the structure and shape of your tree in the future, so you should pay attention to the kind of tree you have as well as how you want it to continue to grow.
Focus on branches that may be susceptible to ice accumulation or potential breakage when the weather turns cold. This will help to mitigate the risk of a branch falling on you, your home, or other belongings. If the branches you need to prune look too large for you to handle, contact a professional arborist for removal.
2. Mulch for Insulation
The temperatures in Oklahoma can fluctuate during the winter months, so it is important to add a layer of insulation around the base of your trees. Insulate your trees by adding a layer of high-quality mulch around the tree. This layer of mulch will help to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture, crucial for Oklahoma’s dry winters.
We recommend covering the ground around the base of the tree with 1-2 inches of mulch, but be careful not to pile the mulch up around the trunk of the tree. Adding mulch too close to the trunk can run you the risk of rotting the tree’s bark. Rather, spread the mulch 2-3 inches from the trunk. Mulch the base of your trees prior to the ground getting cold to ensure proper insulation.
3. Deep Watering Before Frost
Oklahoma can experience dry spells in fall, so deep watering before the first frost is essential. This practice ensures that your trees are well-hydrated before the ground freezes, helping them withstand the cold season. It is especially important to water your evergreen trees so that they have an ample supply of water during the colder months when their roots run the risk of freezing.
4. Fertilize to Fortify Roots
Use a slow-release fertilizer tailored for Oklahoma’s soil conditions to strengthen the root system. This will prepare your trees for the winter and support healthy growth when spring arrives. A slow-release fertilizer is recommended because it mimics nature by steadily giving nutrients to the tree throughout the cold weather.
6. Inspect for Local Pests and Diseases
Oklahoma trees can be susceptible to specific pests like the Emerald Ash Borer. Have a certified arborist inspect your trees in the fall and address any signs of infestation promptly to prevent winter damage. Damage, premature fall color, or other signs of stress can indicate underlying problems in your tree.
Consult a Certified Arborist in Oklahoma
If you’re unsure about how to prepare your trees for Oklahoma’s fall and winter conditions, consult a local arborist. They can provide region-specific advice and ensure your trees are well-prepared for the season.
By taking these Oklahoma-specific steps, you can protect your trees from the state’s unique weather challenges and ensure they remain healthy and robust throughout the winter.
