What is the state of your trees as the cold weather approaches? You may be asking which fall chores are most beneficial to tree health, or if a particular job is one you should put to a professional.
We see it all at Curtis Point Tree Service and work with homeowners throughout Spokane County to maintain their trees in any season. If you want to discuss what your property is going to need come winter, pick up the phone at 509-565-8403.
There is no better time than fall to tend to your trees. With the growing season coming to an end and temperatures on the decline, they are preparing to become dormant; what you put into them now will pay off in the spring. We have put together some of the advice we give our neighbors in Spokane Valley, Cheney, Mead, Liberty Lake and the rest of the county.
The Case for Fall and Tree Health
Our local trees have to make do with hot, arid summers and then endure the cold and snow of winter. The change is stressful. Fall is your opportunity to put right any issues before the ice and snow set in.
It is practical to get things done in autumn. Pests are not as active and disease is harder to spread in the cooler air. A dormant tree is more amenable to pruning. But leave weak or overgrown branches to the mercy of a heavy snow load and you will find a minor matter has become a major one in short order.
Clearing Debris and Leaves
Do not let a thick mat of leaves go unattended. They can hold moisture and be a magnet for fungus. Raking up debris from the base of the tree is good for the area and you will be able to see any trouble spots.
On your list for this fall should be:
- Wet leaves that have been left to pile up by the trunk
- Branches dead and down on the lawn
- Old nuts and fruit that are drawing in pests
- Overgrowth and weeds in the root zone
- Anything impeding water drainage in the vicinity of the tree
Get Pruning Done Ahead of the Snow
You will put less strain on the tree by pruning in the fall or early winter when it is dormant. It also affords you an unobstructed view of the branch structure to put the tree in shape and deal with wayward limbs. As for removing any weak or crossing branches, it is a good way to ensure they do not break under the weight of a Spokane snowfall.
For the more substantial work, particularly near power lines or the roof, we would recommend a professional who has the training and equipment to do it properly.
A Look for Hazards and Weakness
Make a circuit of your property and be critical in your assessment of each tree. You do not want to be dealing with a limb on your car or house down the road because you did not catch it in time.
Be on the lookout for:
- Splits or cracks in a major branch or the trunk
- Limbs that are dead or hanging but have yet to fall
- Trunks with a noticeable lean
- Mushrooms or fungus at the base
- Any branch encroaching on the fence line, driveway or home
If there is something risky, do not put it off. All too often a weak limb will stand through the fall only to give way when the snow gets deep. For some reassurance a call to us at 509-565-8403 is in order.
Deep Watering is Key
Homeowners have a habit of ceasing to water too soon. Yet a good deep watering in late fall prior to the ground freezing will see your trees well hydrated for the winter, young ones in particular and those put in the ground within the last year or two.
Root Protection with Mulch
Put down a new mulch around the base to insulate the roots and retain moisture for the duration of the cold months. Two to four inches of depth is sufficient, provided you keep it back from the trunk so the bark is not subjected to trapped moisture.
Leave Some Things to the Pros
While you can handle some of the work on a weekend, other tasks are best in the hands of an experienced crew, whether it is a matter of height or a large limb close to the house. We are a family concern, locally run and insured in Spokane County. Being a third-generation logger, owner Curtis Point has tree work in his blood.
We extend our services to commercial as well as residential clients and can provide a free estimate. Should you require a payment plan we are flexible. And if a storm creates an emergency after hours we are there to help.
Come in or call Curtis Point Tree Service at 509-565-8403 to prepare your trees for the winter. We are open 7:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Saturday.