Most Common Questions about Caring for Trees in Fall

As the cooler air sweeps in, trees put on their best show of the year. Seemingly overnight, our front yards and parks appear as though they were magnificently painted. Gone are the glossy green leaves, replaced by quintessential fall colors, like burnt orange, scarlet red and golden yellows.

In awe, we ask, “Why do leaves change color in the fall?” Once we have that answer, we’re eager to learn more.

Below, you’ll find common questions we answered this fall about caring for your trees.

Top Tree Care Questions and Answers in Fall

Questions about tree health and lawn care in fall

• Why are my trees losing leaves in August or early fall?

Watching the leaves change color and drop is one of the joys of the season. But if this happens earlier than October, there’s likely a problem. Find out what’s causing your tree to drop its leaves too soon.

• What’s wrong with my maple tree and its leaves?

You’ve spotted branches dying on your maple tree, small leaves and early fall color. Now, you’re wondering, “Is my maple tree dying?” Chances are it’s just stressed and needs a little TLC.

• Why is my evergreen tree dying from the bottom up? Can I save it?

There are three main reasons evergreen trees, like pine and spruce, begin turning brown on the bottom. See which one is plaguing your tree and learn the best solution.

• How can I tell if the soil around my trees is compacted?

This is one of the biggest problems for trees! When they grow in compacted soil, trees struggle to intake water and nutrients, which leads to slow growth. Luckily, you can fix it.

• How do I get toilet paper out of trees?

If you got this Halloween trick, you want to act fast. Leaving toilet paper (TP) in trees for too long can create an even bigger mess. Here’s how to safely remove TP from tall trees.

• Should I fertilize my lawn in fall?

Yes–absolutely! This is, in fact, the most important time to fertilize your lawn. All that’s left? Learn the best month in fall and time of day to apply lawn fertilizer.

Questions about fall tree pests and diseases

• What kind of spider builds webs in trees? How do I get rid of them?

If you can believe it, spiders don’t make those webs in trees. Fall webworms do. Their webs don’t hurt trees, but you probably want to remove them to improve your tree’s look.

• What do I do about mushrooms growing at the base of my tree?

First thing’s first, check if it is this notorious, harmful mushroom, called honey fungus. Here’s how to identify honey fungus and manage it.

Questions about planting trees in fall

• When is the best time of year to plant a tree? What about evergreens, maples and fruit trees?

Generally, fall is the best time of year to plant trees. Though some fall months are better than others, and some trees prefer being planted in spring.

• When is it too late in fall to plant trees?

Generally, you can plant trees anytime from mid-August to mid-October. Though, if you want to plant later than that, try this trick first.

• What can I do to make my backyard more private? What trees should I plant?

If you want to plant your new garden design in spring, start planning in fall or winter. Click for a few ideas to make your yard more private along with a list of trees and shrubs we recommend!

Questions about tree trimming in fall

• Will removing tree roots above ground kill the tree?

Cutting above-ground tree roots is tricky. You can’t remove too many roots or roots too close to the trunk, or you will damage the tree. Here’s how to prune tree roots correctly.

• What is tree topping? Why does it harm trees?

Tree topping is not the same as pruning. In fact, tree topping is a harmful alternative to standard tree trimming. Learn the definition of tree topping and the many ways it hurts trees.

• Can I fix a tree I topped?

You topped your tree before you found out it was harmful. Now what? You can likely help your topped tree recover with these 5 steps.

Have a question we didn’t answer? Click Here To Contact your local Davey office.