Why Fall Tree Care Matters for Winter

Fall isn’t just about cleaning up leaves—it’s an important time to get your trees ready for winter.

As temperatures drop across the Treasure Valley, trees begin entering dormancy. A little attention now can help them handle cold temperatures, snow, wind, and winter moisture changes.

Fall tree care can include:

• Checking for dead, damaged, or weak branches that could fail under snow or wind

• Making sure trees have adequate soil moisture before the ground freezes

• Inspecting trunks and branches for damage, decay, or other concerns

• Adding mulch around the root zone to help moderate soil temperatures and retain moisture

• Identifying pruning needs that can be addressed during the dormant season

Winter can expose weaknesses that aren't always obvious during the growing season. Taking a look at your trees in the fall gives you a chance to spot potential problems before winter weather arrives.

Beyond the Bark Tip: Healthy winter trees start with good fall preparation.