What is the best way to have your trees in order before Michigan’s first hard freeze? Have you seen any branches that appear weak or leaves coming down earlier than they should this time of year? Perhaps you are not certain which of your fall chores are essential for the tree and which can be put off till spring.
We at Five Star Tree Solutions can put a professional eye on things for you. We have been of service to Kalamazoo County homeowners from Portage, Richland and Mattawan to further afield since 2016. To get some advice on your property, pick up the phone and call (269) 215-5474.
There is no better time of year to tend to your trees than the fall. As it gets cooler and growth decelerates, your trees put away energy for the dormant months to come. What you do now will determine how they stand up to a winter storm and make their spring recovery.
We put forward these tips for our neighbours in Kalamazoo County with some frequency.
Rake and Remove Fallen Leaves
It may seem like nothing of consequence, but a scattering of leaves under your trees can be problematic. When they are matted and wet they hold moisture to the trunk and invite fungus and pests; a good deal of debris will also smother the lawn over the course of the winter. Make a habit of raking as you go rather than putting it all off for an end of season clean up. The grass and the trees will be better for it.
Water Before the Ground Freezes
The summer heat is gone so most stop watering, yet the trees are making their winter reserves. A thorough watering prior to the freeze ensures they go into dormancy in good shape. Newly planted stock or anything that was put under stress in the summer deserve extra attention. After the ground has hardened there is no more moisture to be had until the thaw in spring.
Put Down Some Mulch
To see roots through a Michigan winter, mulch is about as straightforward as it gets. It does double duty by insulating the soil and moderating the temperature changes that put a strain on root systems while retaining moisture.
A few things to remember when you mulch this fall:
- Two to four inches around the base is sufficient
- Do not let it touch the trunk
- Put in natural wood mulch, not the dyed kind
- Go out to the drip line if you can
- Top up any old mulch that has thinned
- See that the water can still drain
Prune Dead and Weak Branches
Once the leaves have fallen you can see the tree for what it is and spot any limbs that are dead, damaged or in each other’s way. Getting rid of them in the early dormant season takes away the chance of them going under the weight of snow and ice, and lets the tree focus its energy where you want it to. That said, leave large limbs or anything near power lines to a crew that is licensed and insured; it is not work to be taken lightly.
Look for Pests and Disease
Make a circuit of the property and give each tree a once over. You want to be on the lookout for bare spots where leaves did not fill in, softness in the wood, a worsening lean, or any cracks and splits in the trunk and mushrooms at the base. If you find such things, act on it. By the time the storms hit in winter what was a minor issue in the fall could have become a failed tree.
Some Winter Storm Planning
With the wind and ice we get in this part of the county, an overgrown or feeble tree near the house is a risk you do not need. Plan accordingly to avoid an emergency. For a tree you have doubts about we would have you have it looked at before winter is upon us. Should something happen, our team is on hand 24/7, as one cannot set business hours for a storm.
Five Star Tree Solutions is here to help
As a veteran owned and run firm we are fully licensed and insured and back every job with a 100 per cent satisfaction guarantee. Our BBB A+ rating is testament to the residential and commercial work we have done in Kalamazoo County and the surrounding areas of Schoolcraft, Vicksburg, Oshtemo and Paw Paw since 2016.
Do not delay in having your trees seen to before the cold sets in. Give us a ring at (269) 215-5474 and we will be happy to put our experience to work for you this fall.