Autumn Tree Care: How to Prepare Your Trees for the Colder Months
As the temperature starts to drop and the leaves begin to turn, it’s the perfect time to give your trees some much-needed care and attention. Autumn can be a great time of the year for tree planting and pruning, and the right maintenance is essential to ensure your trees stay healthy and strong throughout the winter months.
If you’re wondering how to prepare your trees for the coldest time of the year, keep reading today. Below, we have put together some useful information to help you improve the life of your trees. For expert help, get in touch with our team at Hickson Wardle today. We provide professional tree maintenance services all year round and can carry out any work for you.
The Importance of Preparing Your Trees for Autumn
The seasons can have a big impact on the health and stability of trees. During the autumn and winter months, strong winds, heavy rain and early frost can all cause problems. The falling leaves can also place extra stress on branches and roots. Preparing your trees in advance can help them withstand the challenges of the coming months and reduce the likelihood of irreversible damage that results in tree removal.
Professional services, from dead wooding to crown thinning and crown restoration, offer several benefits at this time of the year. Not only can they help to minimise health and safety issues, but they can also keep your trees in good condition during the dormant season, so they’re ready to thrive again next spring.
Crown Lifting and Thinning Trees for the Colder Months
In preparation for the colder months, crown lifting and thinning can be beneficial. These tree care services are highly recommended for both domestic and commercial properties, and they can be advantageous for many reasons.
Tree crown lifting - This involves selectively removing lower branches of the tree. It can be done to improve aesthetics, but it can also give more clearance over paths or buildings, and help prevent accidents. Sometimes, it’s also a legal requirement.
Tree crown thinning - This involves thinning out the tips of branches. It can help wind pass through the tree, minimising resistance and strain, and increase the amount of natural light that shines on lower branches and foliage.
Autumn is an ideal season for these works. Since there will be fewer leaves, you can clearly see the tree structure, making it easier to make the right cuts.
Preparing Young Trees for Autumn and Winter
Young trees need extra care in preparation for autumn and winter, and they’re more vulnerable to temperature changes and harsh weather conditions. Taking the time to prepare young trees now will help them establish strong roots and remain healthy for years to come.
Mulching - Adding a layer of mulch around the trunk will help protect the tree from the cold and frost, and conserve moisture. It can also reduce weed growth and enrich the surrounding soil as it decomposes.
Watering - If the autumn has been particularly dry, providing young trees with a deep soak before the ground freezes will provide the hydration they need to survive. This type of watering will encourage stronger root growth to create a more resilient tree.
Support - When using stakes and ties, make sure they’re secure but not overly tight. Allowing slight movement will help the trunk to strengthen naturally, while still protecting against autumn winds and winter storms.
Inspect - Check trees for signs of pests, fungal growth or disease, and prune away any parts of the tree that are dead or damaged. Regular inspections make it easier to spot and address problems early, reducing the risk of long-term health issues.
By combining these steps with professional tree maintenance services, you can give young trees the best possible start as they navigate the challenges of autumn and winter.
Don’t Risk Tree Health, Call a Professional
Hopefully, the information above will help you protect your trees as the seasons start to change. While autumn pruning might seem straightforward, if you’re not sure what you’re doing, it’s easy to damage your trees and put your property at risk. For expert care, our team at Hickson Wardle is here to help. We provide comprehensive tree care in North London, and our fully qualified team can answer any questions you may have about looking after your trees this autumn.
Whether it’s tree crown thinning, dead wooding, tree felling or emergency support after storm damage, we will assess your trees’ species, age, health and surroundings before suggesting the best action to keep them safe and thriving for years to come.