MENUMost people think of spring as fertilizing season since that’s when flowers bloom, grass turns green, and trees wake up from winter dormancy. But actually, fall is one of the best times to give your trees the nutrients they need. Even though growth slows above ground, a lot of important activity is still happening below the surface during fall. Tree roots don’t simply stop working when the leaves drop. Instead, they shift into storing energy, repairing themselves, and preparing for the months ahead. Giving them nutrients at this stage helps strengthen the entire tree from the ground up.
Through late fall, tree roots remain active, even after leaves have dropped. That makes this season the perfect time to apply fertilizer. Instead of pushing out new foliage, nutrients are stored in the roots, trunk, and branches. Come spring, the tree draws on those reserves for stronger growth, healthier leaves, and better resilience overall. In summary, fertilizing now gives your trees a head start on the next growing season (spring). Think of it as filling up a tank of fuel - your tree will be ready to go when warmer weather arrives.
Not every tree needs fertilizer. If your trees are showing strong growth, rich leaf color, and no obvious signs of stress, they may already be getting what they need from the soil. But warning signs like slow growth, undersized or yellowing leaves, or early leaf drop may point to nutrient deficiencies. A soil test is the best way to know for sure because it shows exactly what’s missing so you can avoid unnecessary or excessive fertilization. Gunnison Tree Services offers soil testing to help understand the balance of your soil, whether it’s too acidic, too compacted, or lacking in specific minerals. That information helps make more precise decisions about what your trees really need.
When fertilizing in fall, technique matters. The goal is not to spark new growth that could be damaged by cold weather - it’s to build reserves. This is why a slow-release fertilizer works best. Applying it evenly across the root zone ensures feeder roots can take it in. Watering afterward helps nutrients soak deep into the soil where they’ll do the best. For high-value or mature trees, professional application through deep root fertilization can deliver even greater results. These specialized methods inject nutrients directly into the root system, giving trees the most efficient boost possible.
Fertilizer is just one part of fall tree care. Healthy soil, consistent watering, and protective mulch all help trees make the most of added nutrients. Fertilization works best as part of a broader care plan designed to keep trees thriving year after year. When paired with good pruning practices and proper monitoring, fall fertilization becomes an important step in protecting the long-term health of your landscape.
At Gunnison Tree Services, we see fall fertilization as an investment. It helps trees handle the stress of winter and sets them up for new growth in spring. It’s not a cure-all, but for the right trees in the right conditions, it can make all the difference in keeping your trees strong, safe, and green. Contact Gunnison Tree Services today to learn more about how fall fertilization can benefit your property!