Fall is a wonderful time of the year; the temperature starts to cool down and provides beautiful fall color for many trees. Fall is known to be the best season to plant trees due to the ideal temperatures, dormancy approaching on all trees lessening plant stress, and the adequate soil temperatures needed for optimum tree growth.

Fall also brings more rain and soil moisture creating an increased amount of root growth and development due to transpiration being low it allows optimal root generation. With temperatures moderate to cool it is easier on the plants allowing a lesser chance for transplant shock and less stress by the extreme summer heat. Planting in the earlier part of the Fall also allows for the most optimum plant growth before cooler winter temperatures arrive.  As fall approaches, be sure to take full advantage of the season. It is widely spoken that fall is the best time to plant trees and shrubs.

Finally, it is important to remember a few things when planting trees. Choosing the right place for planting. Match the tree size and needs to the space. Find a spot that gets the right amount of sunlight and has enough space for the tree’s full-grown canopy and with adequate soil volume for its roots. Before digging, make sure the tree isn’t too close to power lines, underground utility lines, or buildings. Always consult with a Tree Specialist to provide you with the best options for planting a tree for your property and area. We have a full staff of professionals that can provide the proper and necessary options for planting such as species, size, aesthetics, and area of planting on your property.

  • Planting trees in the fall

    • Planting trees in the fall is the best time of the year for plant growth because of the cooler temperatures and trees are going into dormancy allowing less stress and damage to the tree.

  • Planting Deciduous Trees

    • Many deciduous trees provide beautiful foliage and if planted in the correct spot, they can help reduce your energy bill. Consider planting a deciduous tree like a Red Oak, Cedar Elm, Bur Oak, or Lacebark Elm on the northwest side of your home. This will cool your home in the summer and allow sunlight in to heat your home in the winter.

  • Planting trees along the North and South side  

    • If you are looking to plant a screen for vegetable gardens or screen from harsh winter winds, consider planting a row of trees, like Eastern Red Cedars, Magnolias, or other full to the ground growth type trees to protect from the cold northern winds.
    • Planting tree rows along the south side of your property will provide a good wind break as they mature.

  • Do not plant large stature shade trees close to the foundation.

    • Most large-stature trees, like Red Oaks, Live Oaks, Magnolias, Cedar Elms, and Bald Cypress, need room to grow. Their roots grow outward to stabilize them as they mature. They require water and can reduce moisture near the foundation. It is important not to plant a tree within 25-ft of a foundation. These large tree species can have roots that grow out 3-5 times the width of their canopy.

  • Do not plant large shade trees beneath utility lines.

    • Selecting the right tree for the right location is very important. Never plant a large stature tree beneath a power line, or within 25-35 ft of an overhead line. As these trees mature, they will grow into the utility lines and require invasive pruning. According to the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the correct way to landscape under utility lines is to plant large shrubs or smaller canopy trees that would not exceed the height under the lines.

  • Never forget to water during the Fall and Winter months

    • It is a common misconception that there is no need for watering in the Fall/Winter months. However, trees require water always throughout the year; we recommend to water as needed to keep the soil moisture at an adequate level always during the colder months.
    • To properly prepare for freezing temperatures in the Fall and Winter, make sure to water the trees an adequate amount the day/night before a freeze to maintain the soil temperature and decrease the chance of plant decline.

  • Prepare for Winter:

    • Younger trees are particularly vulnerable during winter. This is why it is important to be proactive with your fall tree care. Tree wraps can shield the trunk from sunscald and deter rodents that might otherwise damage the bark. You can pick up your tree wrap at Fannin Tree Farm.
    • If a tree has been planted recently, give it extra care – ensuring it is well-watered and mulched will give it a fighting chance during its first winter.

  • Fall Fertilization

    • Fertilization is a vital part of fall tree care for North Texas and ensures trees are well-nourished, enhancing their resilience, health, and growth potential for the coming year.
      • Nutrient Boost: After the active growing season, trees have depleted many soil nutrients. Fall fertilization replenishes these essential elements.
      • Root Development: Fertilizers can promote root growth during the fall, strengthening trees against drought and providing energy reserves for spring.
      • Disease Resistance: Properly nourished trees are better equipped to resist diseases and pests.
      • Improved Recovery: Trees recovering from stress, damage, or prior disease benefit from the additional nutrients, aiding in their recuperation.
      • Enhanced Growth: Trees primed with fall fertilization often exhibit more vigorous growth the following spring.
    • Having consistent access to nutrients helps trees to grow new leaves, roots, and wood as the seasons progress. You will want to add our slow-release fertilizer to your newly planted trees and even your established trees once the weather starts to cool in late September or early October. Come by Fannin and pick up our Fannin Tree Farm Professional Tree Fertilizer or have one of our Tree Specialist quote you with our signature blend.

  • Tree Trimming
    Tree pruning is an essential biannual practice. You want to prune dead, diseased, or unsafe branches from your trees not only to protect you, your home, and your belongings but also to influence the structure and shape of the tree in the future.

    • Late fall / Early Winter is a good time to prune your trees. Not only are trees dormant in the colder months, but it is also easier to see a tree’s structure when there are no leaves on the branches.
    • Proper pruning is vital to the health of trees and plants, in part because it helps relieve stress on trees and keeps them growing. Just be aware that each tree is different and pruning at the wrong time or the wrong way can injure a tree making it more susceptible.” Prune lifeless branches so they don’t succumb to winter snow and winds. Cut cracked, loose, diseased-looking limbs close to the trunk without leaving a stub. Leave wounds exposed to heal.
    • Fannin does not recommend pruning trees for 2 to 3 years after the tree was planted. This allows the tree to recover from planting stress. It is ok to prune dead branches from a newly planted tree.
    • Remember: While fall is suitable for removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches, it’s essential to be cautious. Pruning stimulates new growth, and any fresh growth in the fall might not have enough time to harden before winter, making it susceptible to cold damage. For this reason, heavy pruning should be reserved for late winter when trees are dormant, and the risk of promoting new growth is minimal.
    • If tree branches look too large for you to handle, call Fannin Tree Farm for an assessment of your trees for pruning.

  • Utilizing Mulch

    • Put mulch under your tree in the fall or early winter to help retain water and reduce temperature extremes in the soil.
    • A thin layer of mulch will act like a blanket and give the tree’s roots a little extra protection. Never put more than 1 to 1.5” of mulch over the root ball.
    • If you have a Fannin Tree with a tree well, now is the time to refresh your tree well by turning over the mulch and refreshing the tree well.

If you have any questions about your trees, planting trees, need a quote for pruning, or tree well clean up and mulch, feel free to contact the professionals at Fannin Tree Farm. Our number is (972) 747-9233 and we have a team of tree experts ready to serve.