As the vibrant colors in our trees begin to emerge, raking leaves and planting fall flowers may be at the top of your seasonal to-do list, but one crucial task that often gets overlooked is tree pruning. Autumn is not just a season of beauty—it's also the ideal time to give your trees the care they need for a number of reasons.
The intense summer heat and drought conditions in Texas can take a significant toll on trees, leaving them stressed and vulnerable. As fall arrives, it’s important to assess any damage caused to your trees and give them the proper care they need. Signs of temperature stress such as scorched, wilted, or dead leaves, little to no new growth, and drooping branch systems are indicators that your trees may need some extra care. Pruning during this time reduces any further stress on the tree as it transitions into cooler months.
Before trees completely lose their leaves in the winter, it’s vital that you have your trees inspected and pruned before this happens with the few fall-colored leaves that remain. With the less-densely populated canopies of the fall trees, it’s much easier to spot deadwood or any other problems, which provides a baseline to determine the tree’s current health and to predict its health going into the future.
Forest bathing in your local parks is a beautiful and accessible way to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. By taking the time to disconnect from the digital world and immerse yourself in nature, you can experience a myriad of health benefits, from reduced stress and anxiety to improved creativity and sleep quality.
So, the next time you feel overwhelmed or disconnected, consider visiting your nearby park to embark on a journey of forest bathing. Allow yourself to be embraced by the healing powers of nature, and you'll return from your experience with a renewed sense of peace and harmony. Remember, the magic of the forest awaits you right in your own backyard.
As trees enter the dormant season, there is less growth occurring and therefore less stress on a freshly-pruned tree with exposed tissue. Pruning in the fall minimizes the risk of "bleeding" or excessive sap loss, which can be a concern during other times of the year. This means the trees have more time to focus on healing before it focuses on growth in the spring. By the time spring arrives, your tree will be ready to burst into new growth, having had the entire winter to heal and rejuvenate.
During the warmer months, fresh cuts can attract pests and pathogens that exploit the tree's vulnerable state. However, as the weather cools, these threats diminish, reducing the risk of infections or infestations. This allows them to focus on storing energy and preparing for the long, dormant winter.
Fall is the second most common time for severe weather, following closely behind spring. High winds, heavy rains, and potentially ice or snowfall in the winter can all pose significant threats to your trees, particularly if they have weak or damaged branches. Pruning in the fall helps you remove these potential hazards, reducing the risk of branches breaking off during storms and causing damage to your property or injury to people.
Fall is also the perfect time for Plant Health Care (PHC), including deep root feeding. This process delivers a unique fertilizer and bio-inoculant blend, rich in 39 beneficial microbe species. These nutrients strengthen the tree's roots and improve soil health, making your trees more resilient to pests and diseases. The 100% slow-release formula ensures that the nutrients are absorbed gradually without burning the roots. By investing in PHC now, you provide your trees with the essential energy they need to thrive through winter and burst into healthy growth come spring.