As summer winds down in Wichita, your trees are already beginning to prepare for the colder months ahead. The transition from hot, dry days to chilly nights brings significant changes to the way your trees function — and how you should care for them.
At B&B Tree Company, we believe fall is one of the most important times of the year for tree care. With the right preparation now, your trees can enter winter healthy, avoid costly damage, and emerge in spring ready to grow.
Why Fall Tree Care Matters
Many Wichita homeowners mistakenly believe that tree care is only important in the spring and summer. However, fall is a critical period for several reasons:
- Winter storms can cause damage – Ice and snow add weight to branches, leading to breakage if they are already weak.
- Cold stress impacts roots – Sudden temperature drops can damage root systems, especially in younger trees.
- Pests and disease look for shelter – Insects, fungi, and bacteria often become more active in the fall as they prepare for winter.
- Drought stress from summer lingers – Without proper hydration before the ground freezes, trees can go into dormancy already stressed.
By giving your trees the right attention now, you protect your property, reduce the risk of tree removal costs, and help your landscape thrive for years to come.
Step-by-Step Fall Tree Care Checklist
1. Inspect for Damage and Disease
Begin with a thorough inspection of each tree on your property. Look for:
- Dead or brittle branches
- Cracks in the trunk
- Fungal growth at the base
- Discoloration or curling leaves
If you spot any of these, schedule a professional inspection immediately. These problems can worsen quickly and cause serious damage over winter.
2. Prune Strategically
Fall is one of the best times for pruning because trees are entering dormancy, making it easier for them to recover. Removing dead or weak branches reduces the risk of storm damage and promotes healthy spring growth. However, incorrect pruning can harm a tree, so if you’re unsure, call a certified arborist for assistance.
3. Mulch to Protect Roots
A fresh layer of mulch around the base of your trees provides several benefits:
- Retains soil moisture
- Prevents soil temperature fluctuations
- Reduces competition from weeds
- Adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down
Spread mulch in a 2–4 inch layer, keeping it away from direct contact with the trunk to prevent rot.
4. Deep Watering Before Freeze
Many Wichita homeowners stop watering trees once temperatures drop, but this can be a mistake. Giving trees a deep watering in late fall ensures they have enough moisture stored to survive winter dormancy.
5. Protect Young and Vulnerable Trees
Young trees, especially those with thin bark, are at risk for sunscald and rodent damage in winter. Wrapping trunks with tree guards or burlap helps shield them from temperature swings and pests.
When to Call a Professional
While some fall tree care tasks are perfect for DIY, others are best left to trained experts. Climbing ladders with chainsaws, diagnosing disease, and handling large branches require specialized skills and safety equipment.
At B&B Tree Company, our team is fully trained, insured, and equipped to handle any tree care need — from seasonal maintenance to emergency storm damage response.
📞 Call us today at (316) 990-4364 or Schedule Your Fall Tree Inspection to protect your trees before winter hits.
Year-Round Tree Care Starts Here
Fall is just one part of a full annual tree care plan. To keep your trees healthy in every season, check out The Ultimate Guide to Tree Care in Wichita, KS — our comprehensive resource with seasonal tips, expert advice, and answers to the most common tree care questions.
