Some Fall Tree Care Advice for Homeowners in Southeast Michigan
One has to wonder if your trees are in any shape for a Michigan winter. You may be asking yourself which of the fall chores are truly beneficial and which will only do damage. Or perhaps you have dead branches and limbs with a pronounced lean that show no sign of righting themselves.
We at Ruben’s Tree Service get these kinds of questions all autumn. Since 2021 we have been of service to homeowners in Southeast Michigan with their tree care needs. For a professional opinion on what is happening on your property, (248) 985-8070 is the number to put us on the phone with. Until then, let us put forward the fall procedures that are most important in this part of the state.
The Case for Tending to Trees in the Fall
There is method to the madness of tree care in Michigan come fall. With the growing season at an end the trees are putting energy aside for the cold months ahead. The cooler temperatures make for less strain on them should they be pruned or moved. Then there is the matter of not being caught off guard by an ice storm or heavy snow because you did not address an issue when you had the chance.
All too often a homeowner will give his trees no thought until one decides to put in an appearance on the roof or driveway. A bit of time invested now precludes a larger headache down the road.
Dealing with the Leaves
Fall leaves are more than a nuisance. In thick mats on the lawn or at the foot of a tree they hold moisture and are a magnet for disease. Yet if you put them to use they can be of some value.
A sensible approach would be to:
- Rake the worst of it off the grass and from around the tree
- Shred a portion for mulch in the garden
- Do not let mulch touch the trunk; leave a few inches so as not to cause rot
- For the sake of safety, clear walkways and gutters
- Put diseased leaves out of the property instead of in the compost
A Look for Trouble Spots
With the leaves gone you can see how your trees are put together. Make a tour of the grounds and be on the lookout for:
- Any branch that is brittle or dead, devoid of bark or buds
- Cracks at the junction of a big limb and the trunk
- Overhanging branches in the vicinity of power lines or the house
- An off balance or heavily leaning limb
- Rot or fungus in the wood
Should you find such things, let a pro have a look. We have the bucket truck and climbers to handle work in hard to get at places without risk. Give us a ring at (248) 985-8070 for a no cost estimate.
Pruning for More Than Appearance
When a tree is dormant, fall and the early part of winter present an opportunity to prune. Done correctly it will take away weak growth and improve the tree’s airflow for the spring, to say nothing of the loose deadwood you don’t want breaking under a load of ice.
But a poor cut will only weaken the tree and open it up to disease. There is no point in guessing. Our team does the trimming and pruning in Wixom and throughout the rest of Southeast Michigan, from Royal Oak and Troy to Rochester, Ann Arbor and Livonia.
Don’t Wait for the Storm
The wind and ice of a Michigan winter will tell on your trees. What was a non-issue in October may well be a hazard in January. Some forethought will do you well:
- Get rid of overhanging and dead limbs before the storms set in
- Cabling and bracing is something to think about for large or split trunks
- See to any leaning trees while the ground is still pliable
- Make sure the area around the driveway and roof is free of branches
- Know who you are going to call if a tree comes down
If it does happen in the dead of night, our emergency service is available 24/7. We don’t wait for morning to deal with a downed tree.
Put Ruben’s on the Job This Fall
There is no need to be in the dark when it comes to caring for your trees. From stump grinding to storm cleanup and anything in between, we are here for the homeowners and businesses of Southeast Michigan. We cover Wixom and many of the communities around it, and are at your disposal day or night.
For a free estimate, call (248) 985-8070 and have your trees in order before the winter sets in.