Getting Your Mississippi and Louisiana Trees Ready For Winter

Trees are such an important part of our landscape. Not only do they add beauty and clean the air but they can add value to your home as well. Trees are permanent fixtures in your landscape and they are meant to last generations. The only way they will do that is if you take care of them properly. In the forest, trees are mostly protected from pests and diseases because there are so many different species living in close proximity. But in our yards, trees stand alone and are more vulnerable. So this fall, pay a little attention to your trees so they can live on and thrive.

Trim Your Trees

After a full summer of growth, your trees might look a little unruly and in dire need of a haircut. Take advantage of the cool weather and lack of leaves and prune your trees. Pruning while your tree is dormant not only makes it easier to see what you’re doing, but it also is safer for the tree. 

Add Mulch

Mulch isn’t just for improving your yard’s curb appeal. Mulch is great for retaining moisture and keeping roots insulated in the winter. If you’re looking for some affordable mulch just look at your yard. Fall leaves make a great organic mulch that will not only offer the same perks as store-bought mulch but they will also break down and give nutrients back to your trees.

Plant New Trees In The Fall

Everyone thinks the best time to plant a new tree is in the spring but spring isn’t always the best time. Spring weather can be too unpredictable when it comes to temperature swings and the summers can be dry and difficult. During the fall, trees focus their efforts on growing roots and storing energy for the winter. This will allow your new tree to quickly establish without the threat of drought, pests, or diseases.

Give Your Trees a Boost

In their natural environment in the forests, trees naturally fertilize themselves with their own leaves. As the leaves on the forest floor decompose, the nutrients return back to the trees. But in our suburban environment, leaves are quickly raked up to avoid lawn diseases and HOA fines. Therefore, our trees are spending nutrients but not getting replenished. The best way to give your trees the nutrients they need is through a process called deep root fertilization. This process uses a machine to inject fertilizers deep into the root system of the tree, putting it right where it needs to be without losing any to competition from other plants.

Protect Your Trees From Pests

Pests are a big problem in the south and our trees are especially susceptible. In the fall, insects overwinter on or under the bark of your trees. In the spring they re-emerge and their eggs begin to hatch. If there are enough of them, these insects can cause some serious damage to your ornamentals. Some common pests we see in the south are tree scale and aphids. Dormant oil is a product designed for eliminating these overwintering pests and protecting your trees. Dormant oil, also called horticultural oil, can be purchased at any garden center or online.

Call The Lawn Care Experts At TruGreen Midsouth

At TruGreen, we offer dormant oil and deep root fertilization treatments as part of our tree and shrub care program. Our lawn care experts can help you answer any of your questions and concerns. Call today and let’s get you signed up for next year’s lawn care program.

Call us at 225-465-0665 if you are a Louisiana client, but if you’re from Mississippi, call us at 662-330-1330. Or get a free and easy quote here. Get access to all our tips on pest control, lawn care, tree care, and more by following our monthly blog. Check us out on Facebook for the latest TruGreen deals and news in your area.