Fall is a transition. Leaves fall, growth slows, and trees shift focus underground. For homeowners, fall is a final chance to inspect, prune, protect, and set the stage for spring. If you act now, you can avoid problems next year.
Here’s a practical, Texas-adapted fall tree care checklist from Southwest Tree Service.
Inspect every tree
Walk your property and look at:
- Trunk and bark: cracks, splits, decay
- Branches: dead wood, hanging limbs, crossing or rubbing limbs
- Root flare and base: signs of mounding, compaction, or rot
- Canopy: thinning areas, sparse foliage
- Proximity: limbs near structures, wires, driveways
- Evidence of pests or disease: fungus, bore holes, cankers, webs
Document what you see (photos help) and plan your interventions.
Prune dead, diseased, or hazardous limbs
Remove branches that pose risk. Dead wood is always a candidate. Clean cuts help prevent decay from spreading into healthy wood. Use the “branch collar” method (cut just outside the collar) to support healing.
If you don’t feel comfortable handling mid-size limbs yourself, call professionals. A wrong cut can do more damage than good.
Structural thinning / light trimming
If a canopy is too dense, thin it by selectively removing limbs to improve airflow and light penetration. Don’t overdo it—preserve at least 60–70% leaf cover (or proportionate live wood).
Fall is good for light thinning, but major shaping is better in winter when visibility is clearer.
Mulch around the base
Apply a 2–4 inch layer of organic mulch (wood chips, shredded bark) around the base—but not touching the trunk. Mulch helps:
- Retain moisture
- Regulate soil temperature
- Suppress weeds
- Support root growth
Just don’t pile it against the tree, which can cause rot or rodent damage.
Deep, infrequent watering
Even though fall often brings rain, some periods may be dry. Provide deep watering to support roots before freezing weather. Deep watering encourages roots to grow down. Avoid light sprinkling, which just wets the surface.
Fertilization (if needed)
A slow-release fertilizer can help in fall, but only if soil shows nutrient deficiency. Don’t overfertilize late in fall; new growth may be vulnerable to frost. A soil test helps determine needs.
Protect young or vulnerable trees
Small or newly planted trees may not have the resilience of mature specimens. For these:
- Wrap trunks with tree guards or burlap
- Add extra mulch around (not touching trunk)
- Stake loosely if the tree leans
- Monitor rodent damage (especially in colder months)
Monitor for pests and disease
Some pests are more visible in fall or on bare limbs. If you see fungus or insect signs, consult an arborist. Addressing issues now can prevent them from spreading in spring.
Planting vs removal decisions
Fall is also a time to decide whether to remove trees (see Blog Post 2) or plant replacements. In many climates, fall is suitable for planting certain species so long as roots establish before freeze. (Check local guidelines.)
If you remove an old tree in fall, you create room, light, and space for new ones next planting season.
Plan winter pruning
If you have large trees with structural issues, schedule a winter pruning appointment now. Many arborists book months in advance. Doing so ensures you get work done during optimal windows.
Also, review any permits or municipal rules about pruning in winter vs. fall.
Clear away debris
Remove fallen branches, leaf piles around trunks (except where desired for mulch), and any dead plant material. Many diseases or pests overwinter in debris.
Safety review
Before winter, consider:
- Branches overhanging roofs, gutters, power lines
- Potential for ice or snow loading on weak limbs
- Clearing around HVAC units, vents, or fences
- Access for emergency crews (if a storm knocks limbs)
Proactively trimming or removing weak limbs now reduces winter risks.
What to expect next year
Trees that were well maintained this fall will:
- Leaf out fuller and healthier in spring
- Resist pests and disease more effectively
- Be less stressed during heat or drought
- Need fewer emergency trims
Why Southwest Tree Service helps
We offer full fall tree care services including:
- Tree inspections
- Pruning and corrective trimming
- Hazard limb removal
- Stump grinding or removal
- Mulching, fertilization, and soil advice
- Winter pruning scheduling
We bring certified arborist knowledge, safe equipment, and efficient service so your property is ready for winter and, later, spring.
Request a FREE Estimate Today!
This fall, don’t let your trees slip into dormancy unprepared. Walk your property, note trouble spots, schedule needed services, and get your trees on a healthier path. Contact Southwest Tree Service for a fall tree care evaluation or to schedule pruning, removal, or maintenance. Let us help you protect your investment in your landscape.