Fall is an excellent time of the year to plant trees and shrubs and prepare already-growing ones for the upcoming winter months. You can get a head start on spring by giving your yard its last fertilizer treatment before cold temperatures hit. It’s also the season when summer pests and insects become less active, making it easier to give your plants a little “TLC.”
Here are some tips for autumn tree and shrub care:
- Water – Small trees, pines, and shrubs (like junipers) need moisture to survive the approaching freeze. Evergreens (e.g. boxwood, holly, and rhododendron) also need watering to remain stress-free as temperatures drop.
For individual plants:
- Place a hose without a nozzle at the base and let the water run in small increments. There are hose attachments that can help with this kind of “drip” irrigation.
- Leave the water in one location for 25 minutes.
- Inspect new plants– When purchasing a young tree, check for damage, and prune any broken branches. If your maple tree prematurely turns red, look for signs of uneven colour or defoliation, which may indicate nutrient deficiency, pest infestation, or disease.
- Examine your soil – Many problems start with poor soil. If you suspect this is a concern for your property, call a tree expert to collect samples for examination. Discovering what’s causing an imbalance (e.g. lack of nutrients, soil compaction, acidity) in your plants will help you determine the right fertilizer to apply. Improving the soil creates a better growing conditions and help the roots grow.
- Look for pests – Webs in trees, chewed leaves, and dying branches are usually caused by pests: spider mites, bagworms, kudzu bugs, and fall webworms could be the culprits. An arborist can identify the problem and help you treat it before it spreads.
Signs of infestation:
- Leaves: Look for damage, discolouration, borer holes, and abnormal leaf size.
- Trunk and branches: Check if the growth of the branch is less than previous years. If your tree is newly planted, check for holes and frass on the trunk and lifting roots.
- Plant – Fall can be a great time for planting trees and shrubs. The roots of the plant are able to thrive because they’re not competing with the leaves for food and water. However, there are some plants that do not benefit from fall planting. Consult with your local tree farm and ask for advice.
It’s always a great idea to consult with tree experts when you’re feeding your tree, addressing a health problem, or planting new shrubs and saplings. Buy new plants from a reputable tree farm or seller in your area.
For the best selection of trees and shrubs in the GTA, or tree planting services around Toronto, call Caledon Treeland at (905) 880-1828.