OCTOBER Tree Topics | El Nino, Fall planting, Fall clean-up, Winter discounts & more!
As the leaves start to change and the air gets crisp, it's clear that autumn has arrived in Nebraska. While many of us are busy enjoying pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters, it's important to remember that our trees also need help to get into the fall spirit and prepare for the the winter months. Here are the hot topics that Nebraska homeowners are concerned about this time of year, as well as annual trends we should be paying attention to!
Preparing for El Nino
In the start of October, we have experienced record high temperatures more reminiscent of the throes of summer, and there's no sign of that stopping! The Farmer’s Almanac indicates that we are entering an el Nino year, meaning we can expect a warm, dry winter. While you may be rejoicing the upcoming “mild” winter, lack of precipitation will mean dire things for trees struggling following this several year drought. If it seems like your trees are changing fall foliage early this year, they may just be reacting to the effects of dehydration & heat stress. In even the most mild of winters, opportunities to pull out the hose dwindle, so during these unprecedented 90+ degree days, while we are busy living up the last of shorts weather, we should be proactive with watering and mulching. Excessive heat means that trees are thirsty! We should aim for 1" total of moisture per week, and 2-4" mulch to reduce the impact of the impending dry winter.
Fall Planting
Adding trees and plants to your home landscape is a good choice that pays dividends! It has numerous benefits for both you and the environment. Trees and plants are aesthetically pleasing and can enhance the beauty of your outdoor space. In addition to adding visual appeal, trees and plants also provide shade, which can reduce your energy bill by decreasing the amount of sunlight that enters your home in the summer. They also absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air, which helps to improve air quality. Additionally, trees and plants provide habitat for wildlife and can help to prevent erosion and water runoff. Overall, adding trees and plants to your home landscape is a great way to improve the health and beauty of your environment.
If you are starting your planting journey this fall, aim to plant trees or shrubs after leaf drop. Transplanting trees and shrubs while they are in their dormant state reduces the likelihood of shock. It allows them to settle in and adjust more gradually to their new environment. The first freeze in Omaha typically happens around the end of October, so aim to have your resources in line by then!
Fall Clean-up
When the first leaf falls, we see some of you start itching and reaching for that rake. First of all, lets take a deep breath. In many cases, you don’t have to rake up leaf litter. Unless there is a disease or pathogen, it is actually best to leave the leaves. If you choose to clean up leaves, put them in the compost. DO NOT compost if you have a bacterium or virus present that will harbor over-winter, such as:
Anthracnose
Verticillium Wilt
If disease is present, good sanitation is necessary. If this is the case, put leaf litter in the garbage or burn it to prevent further contamination.
How do you know if disease is present? If you have noticed visual discoloration, leaf die back, or anything else out of the ordinary, you can send a sample in to the Douglas County extension office. They will analyze it FOR FREE. The are an amazing resource that our arborists utilize on a regular basis.
Evergreen Winter Burn & Anti-dessecant
Evergreens may be the winter heroes of our gardens, but even they can struggle. When the going gets tough and the snowy season hits, your evergreen pals can suffer from a case of the winter blues, aka "Winter Burn". This happens when they lose more water than they can absorb, turning their lush green foliage into a brown and crispy mess. Yikes! Evergreens don't go dormant like other plants, so they still need plenty of hydration to keep their cool during the winter months. If it's been a while since Mr. Raincloud visited your area, and it likely has since we are in an extended drought, your evergreens may be extra parched and vulnerable to this winter burn. But don't panic just yet! You can banish the burn with anti-desiccants to seal in moisture, IF the moisture is already present. Pro tip: if the ground is frozen, water transport isn’t happening. Prevention is better than cure, so make sure to proactively give your evergreens plenty of water whenever you can. Learn more about appropriate winter watering practices when you check out tip #4 in our February article.
Don’t Forget!
It’s not too late to catch up on your September to-do list! If you missed our last article, here are the topics that are still relevant through this month.
Fall Scheduling & Winter Discounts
Fall is the busiest time for crews, as people hustle to get things buttoned up before winter. If you are looking to get work in under the wire, be sure to call as soon as possible. Alternatively, if the work is not time sensitive, it is worth mentioning to your estimator. While crews are busy now, work will begin to slow soon as people are spending less and less time outdoors. You may be able to obtain winter pricing if they are able to schedule you in the slow season or as needed to fill in schedule gaps. Discover why winter is the best time to get trees removed and find out if you should trim trees in winter.
Questions? Ask An Arborist
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