As the leaves begin to fall and temperatures drop, it’s time to start thinking about how to prepare your trees for the winter months. While trees may look self-sufficient, they can actually benefit greatly from a little TLC in the fall. Here’s a simple, effective checklist homeowners can follow to help protect their trees from harsh conditions and ensure they thrive come spring.
✅ 1. Inspect for Damage or Disease
Before the first frost, take a walk around your yard and look closely at your trees. Are there dead limbs? Cracks in the trunk? Fungal growth? Catching these issues early can prevent further damage and help you avoid expensive removals later.
✅ 2. Prune Dead or Hazardous Branches
Fall is a great time for light pruning—especially if you notice any branches hanging too close to your house, car, or power lines. Pruning during dormancy reduces stress on the tree and helps prevent breakage during winter storms. For anything large or high up, call in a professional.
✅ 3. Mulch the Base
Adding 2–4 inches of mulch around the base of your trees can help insulate roots, retain moisture, and suppress weed growth. Be sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to avoid rot.
✅ 4. Water Before the Ground Freezes
If fall has been dry, your trees will benefit from a deep watering before winter sets in. Healthy hydration helps trees endure freezing temperatures and dry winter air.
✅ 5. Protect Young or Sensitive Trees
Wrap the trunks of newly planted or thin-barked trees with burlap or protective tree wrap to prevent frost cracks and sunscald. Consider using deer or rodent guards at the base to deter chewing animals in winter.