🍂 Tree Service Care & Maintenance in Fall

Prepare your Northern Virginia landscape for winter with Guilmer Tree Services’ expert Fall Tree Care & Maintenance guide. Learn how to inspect for summer damage, prune for safety, mulch to protect roots, and fertilize for healthy spring growth. Our ISA-certified arborists share seasonal tips to keep your trees strong, beautiful, and storm-ready. 🍂 Request a free estimate or Speak with a certified arborist to get personalized fall tree care recommendations for your property.

9/9/20252 min read

Certified arborist performing fall tree pruning on a maple tree in Northern Virginia
Certified arborist performing fall tree pruning on a maple tree in Northern Virginia

As the vibrant greens of summer give way to the warm hues of autumn, your trees are entering a critical transition period. Fall is more than just a season of beauty—it’s the perfect time to prepare your landscape for the challenges of winter. Proper tree care now can prevent damage, promote healthy growth, and keep your property safe.As the vibrant greens of summer give way to the warm hues of autumn, your trees are entering a critical transition period. Fall is more than just a season of beauty—it’s the perfect time to prepare your landscape for the challenges of winter. Proper tree care now can prevent damage, promote healthy growth, and keep your property safe.

1. Inspect for Summer Damage

After months of heat, storms, and heavy growth, fall is the ideal time to assess your trees for:

  • Broken or hanging branches

  • Cracks in the trunk or major limbs

  • Signs of pest infestations or disease

Catching these issues early can prevent costly emergencies later.

2. Prune for Health and Safety

Fall pruning removes dead or weak branches before winter snow and ice can weigh them down. This not only improves the tree’s structure but also reduces the risk of falling limbs during storms. Focus on:

  • Removing crossing or rubbing branches

  • Clearing limbs away from roofs, driveways, and power lines

  • Shaping young trees for balanced growth

3. Mulch and Protect Roots

Applying a fresh layer of mulch around the base of your trees helps:

  • Retain soil moisture

  • Regulate soil temperature during cold snaps

  • Reduce weed competition

Be sure to keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

4. Fertilize for Spring Growth

Fall fertilization replenishes nutrients depleted over the summer, giving your trees the reserves they need to thrive when spring arrives. A slow-release, balanced fertilizer is ideal for most species.

5. Plan for Hazardous Tree Removal

If a tree is severely damaged, diseased, or leaning dangerously, fall is a smart time to address it before winter weather makes removal more difficult.

🍁 Partner with the Experts

At Guilmer Tree Services, we specialize in seasonal tree care that keeps your property safe and beautiful year-round. Our certified arborists know exactly what your trees need to stay healthy through the colder months.

👉 Request a free estimate for your fall tree maintenance today.

💬 Speak with a certified arborist to get personalized recommendations for your landscape.