Fall Tree Care Key to Spring Growth Success

By Andi Anderson

As fall settles across Iowa, horticulture specialists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach remind homeowners that autumn is one of the most important times to care for newly planted trees.

Far from being the end of the gardening season, fall provides an opportunity to strengthen young trees before winter.

Watering remains essential for trees planted earlier in the year. “This spring started off with plenty of moisture,” said Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture specialist with ISU Extension. “This fall has been much drier, which means we have to do a better job of regular watering.”

Gardeners should check soil moisture frequently and water whenever the soil is dry 1–2 inches below the surface. Using soaker hoses or spot sprinklers helps irrigate the wider root zone until the ground freezes.

Jeff Iles, professor and extension horticulture specialist, emphasized that properly watered trees are better equipped to survive winter. “Properly watered young trees are less likely to develop tip dieback and sunscald,” he said. Evergreens are especially prone to brown tips and bark injury if they enter winter drought-stressed.

Wildlife protection is another key fall task. Steil cautioned that rabbits and rodents can strip bark from young trees during winter. He recommends wrapping trunks with tree guards or installing fencing at least three feet high to deter chewing.

Deer can also cause damage through antler rubbing and browsing, so fencing or sturdy cages at least four feet tall should be used for protection.

Fall planting remains ideal for deciduous trees. “The warm soil and cool air temperatures promote root growth,” said Iles. He advised that while deciduous trees can be planted until early November, evergreens should be planted no later than late September to avoid winter injury.

Certain tasks should be avoided in fall, such as pruning and fertilizing. “Pruning encourages new growth that won’t harden off before winter,” Steil noted. Fertilizing can also cause tender new growth vulnerable to cold damage. Instead, both activities should be postponed until late winter or early spring when trees are dormant.

By following these fall care tips, Iowa gardeners can give newly planted trees the best chance to thrive once warmer weather returns next spring.

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