As the weather cools and leaves begin to fall, you might think your trees are finally getting a break—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, fall is when many harmful insects and diseases settle in for the winter, waiting to emerge stronger in the spring.
If you don’t treat these issues now, your tree could be in for a rough start come next year.
? Pests Linger Even After the Leaves Fall
Many tree pests lay eggs or enter a dormant state in the bark, leaves, or soil during fall. Left untreated, these overwintering pests—like scale insects, aphids, and borers—will hatch in spring and quickly spread through your tree and surrounding landscape.
Fall treatments like dormant oil sprays or soil injections can prevent infestations before they begin, making your spring tree care much easier and less expensive.
? Fall Fungi: The Hidden Threat
Fungal diseases like anthracnose, apple scab, and powdery mildew often show up in spring—but they actually take hold in fall, especially if infected leaves and branches are left unattended.
If your tree had visible leaf spots, mildew, or early defoliation this year, it’s crucial to:
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Rake and remove infected leaves
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Prune diseased or dead wood
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Apply a preventative fungicide spray
✅ Why Fall Treatments Work
Because trees are entering dormancy, fall is the ideal time to apply treatments that target hidden threats without stressing the tree. Plus, fewer pests and fungi are active, so treatments are more effective and longer-lasting.
? Don’t Wait Until Spring
Once temperatures rise in early spring, pests and diseases spread fast. By then, it’s often too late for simple solutions and you aren’t going to want to call us for Emergency Tree Service in Delaware County. A quick fall evaluation from a certified arborist can identify your tree’s risk level and recommend the right treatments now—before problems get out of hand.