MENUAs summer winds down and fall arrives, the landscape changes. The days get shorter, temperatures drop, and the bright greens of summer shift to shades of gold, orange, and red. For trees, this season marks a major transition. They begin to slow their growth, shed leaves, and prepare for the dormancy of winter. For homeowners, it’s time to give trees some extra care before the cold weather sets in. A little attention now can prevent future problems and help trees stay healthy year-round.
We recommend to start with a cleanup. After months of summer storms, heat, and growth, most yards have twigs and leaves on the ground. Raking and removing this debris does more than make your yard look tidy - it helps protect your trees. Piles of wet, decaying leaves can trap moisture, attract pests, and encourage diseases to spread. If you notice leaves with spots, mold, or signs of fungus, don’t add them to your compost pile. Instead, bag and dispose of them to prevent those same issues from returning in the spring.
Once your yard is clear, take a close look at your trees. Fall is a great time for a quick health check. Walk around each tree and look for any signs of trouble: dead or cracked branches, splits in the trunk, or mushrooms growing near the roots. These can all indicate stress, decay, or structural weakness. Spotting problems now gives you time to plan for professional care before winter weather puts extra strain on your trees. Gunnison Tree Services is here to help with all your tree and plant needs.
Pruning in the fall has several advantages. Because growth slows down, trimming weak, dead, or crowded branches causes less stress for the tree. It also reduces the risk of damage from heavy snow or ice, which can break weak limbs. Pruning lets more sunlight reach your yard and helps your tree grow healthier and stronger branches when spring arrives. Just remember: pruning should be thoughtful and careful. Over-pruning can harm your tree, so if you’re unsure, it may be worth bringing in an arborist. - all our arborists are ISA Certified.
After pruning, focus on the soil. A fresh layer of mulch does wonders for tree health. Mulch helps retain moisture, keep the soil temperature stable as the weather turns colder, and helps prevent weeds from stealing nutrients. Spread it evenly in a wide circle around the tree’s base, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk itself. Piling mulch directly against the bark can trap moisture and lead to rot.
Watering is another key step. It’s true that trees need less water once temperatures drop, but they shouldn’t go into winter thirsty. During dry spells, give them a deep soak every week or two. Younger trees rely on consistent watering because their root systems aren’t fully developed yet. Well-hydrated trees handle winter stress better and green up faster in spring.
Fall tree care doesn’t mean tackling everything in one weekend. Think of it as a series of simple, steady steps - cleaning, inspecting, pruning, mulching, and watering - that protect your trees and prepare them for the seasons ahead. With a little effort now, you’ll enjoy healthier trees, fewer winter surprises, and a yard that bursts back to life when spring returns.
Fall is the perfect time to plan ahead for your trees’ health. Contact GTS today to schedule a property estimate with one of our certified arborists.