With the cold months on the way, are your trees in order? One has to wonder which of the fall chores will put a tree in good stead and which can be put off till spring. Or perhaps you have seen some branches or leaves that seem out of place with the change of season.
We at Family Tree Care have been fielding such questions from homeowners and businesses in Connecticut for years, 1996 to be exact. From our Guilford base we cover the shoreline as well as the inland communities of the region. Give us a ring at (203) 902-3639 if you would like to discuss your trees prior to the first frost.
There is no better time of year in this part of the state to tend to the health of your trees than in the fall. As the weather cools and growth gives way to dormancy, what you do now is what will make for a more robust spring. Here are the things you should be doing before a hard frost comes through.
Put Some Water on Them While There Is Time
The summer heat may be gone but many are quick to put the hose away. Yet a tree, an evergreen or a recent planting for instance, requires moisture come winter. A deep watering allows roots to put aside what they need before the ground does. Do not just give them a light sprinkle; a slow, thorough soaking is preferable. Evergreens in particular will lose moisture to the dry, cold winds all winter via their needles, so a good root system is essential. Continue until the soil is frozen.
Root Protection With Mulch
For a fall task you cannot beat mulch. It is simple and does much to insulate the roots and retain moisture in the cold.
Do it properly:
- Put down two to four inches around the base
- Make sure to leave a few inches of space between the trunk and the mulch
- Work it out to the drip line
- Steer clear of the “volcano” effect against the bark
- Shredded bark or natural wood chips are best
Piling it up on the trunk is an invitation to rot and pests, not to mention it robs the trunk of air.
A Look for Weak Limbs and Damage
When the trees have shed their leaves and you can see the structure of them, a walk around the property is in order before the winter storms. You will want to be on the lookout for:
- Any dead or hanging branches
- Cracks in the trunk or a major limb
- Fungus or mushrooms at the base
- New or pronounced leaning
- Limbs encroaching on power lines or the house
A weak limb may have made it through the summer but will not stand up to the weight of ice and snow. Spotting these early is a matter of safety for your family and protection of your property.
Use Discretion in Fall Pruning
Some judgment is called for when you are pruning in the fall. It is sound practice to take off anything hazardous or damaged ahead of winter. But put too fine a point on healthy growth and you are only going to stress the tree as it makes for dormancy.
Our staff of three Connecticut Certified Arborists can make the call on what needs to be done and what can wait. They have put in the time to pass the state’s three-part exam and their expertise is there for you.
Don’t Let Pests and Disease Go Unchecked
Just because the leaves are down does not mean plant health care is over. Some of the problems you encounter will carry into the winter and be all the worse for it in the spring. If there has been insect activity or unusual spotting, let someone have a look at it. A tree that is in good shape will come out of the winter all the stronger.
Storms Will Happen, We Are Here
You can prepare as you like but a Connecticut winter has its surprises. Wind and ice can drop a limb without any notice. In the event of an emergency during a storm, Family Tree Care is on hand 24/7 so you do not have to bide your time until morning.
Licensed and insured, our office is open 8 to 4 Monday to Friday. Our services extend to Guilford and the surrounding towns including Madison, Branford, North Branford, Clinton, Killingworth, Middletown, Middlefield, Durham, Hamden, Essex, Westbrook, Old Saybrook and Chester.
We also like to put something back in the community. You will find us donating our time to the upkeep of trees at historic properties in Guilford such as the Meadow Stone House and Dudley Farm.
Act Before the Frost Sets In
In Connecticut the first frost has a habit of coming on you before you know it and the season is short. To have your trees pruned, watered, mulched or put under inspection by one of our certified arborists, the time is now. Call (203) 902-3639 and we will put you in touch with Family Tree Care.