WHICH MEANS IT IS THE PERFECT TIME FOR FALL FERTILIZATION AND FALL PLANTING
BENEFITS OF FALL FERTILIZATION
One of the primary benefits of fall fertilization is that it promotes healthy tree growth, which is especially important in Houston’s constantly changing climate. Trees in Houston often suffer due to hot temperatures, erratic rainfall, and severe windstorms. However, tree fertilization can help trees grow well and thrive in spite of harsh weather conditions and constant threats to successful tree growth.
Trees rely on their root systems for water, oxygen, stability, and provide essential nutrients and minerals. When applied correctly by properly trained technicians, a deep root fertilization can encourage the growth of tree roots, further enhancing the tree. Many Trees that do not receive regular fall fertilization can end up nutrient poor and suffer from other secondary stressors.
During the summer months, trees can suffer from drought conditions, soil compaction, and overall poor soil conditions. Tree fertilizer helps replenish vital nutrients lacking in the soil caused from many different environmental factors such as rainfall runoff.
When trees receive a deep root fertilization, this can aid in helping the tree get what it’s lacking for proper health, improve the trees natural defense, which can help against invasive insects and deadly tree diseases. Trees can experience stress when they have been subjected to lack of irrigation, extended drought conditions, soil compaction, excessive tree pruning, poor soil conditions, or mechanical damage. Tree fertilization can help offset these conditions it has been exposed to creating a healthier environment for tree growth.
FALL PLANTING
As cooler weather finally begins to make its way to the Gulf Coast, many residential properties begin to see tree leaves change colors, drop leaves, and slow their growth. This also marks an ideal time to consider tree planting to give young trees their best chance for long-term health and successful growth.
As deciduous trees drop their leaves for the winter, they will continue to experience root growth and expansion due to the milder temperatures. This allows trees to recover faster from the shock of tree planting and be better established in time for active springtime growth. Typical winters in Texas also mean there is less chance of ice and snow accumulating on young limbs and branches, which could threaten their long-term health, stability, and growth.
The arrival of fall weather also means higher rainfall totals throughout the Gulf Coast region. This ensures that young trees get much needed water during a period of critical growth. In addition, reduced temperatures and regular rainfall reduces the need for watering by property owners, lowering overall utility costs.
The heat from Houston’s summer months keeps the soil warm and encourages root growth as we enter fall and winter months. Since Houston rarely experiences long term hard freezes, a tree’s root system remains actively growing. This gives trees planted in the fall a good foundation for the spring , which is when 80% of a tree’s growth occurs. The arrival of spring marks the period when new leaves, shoots, and fruit grow at their fastest rate, so a tree’s health and vigor is important.
