Fall Tree Care Tips for Your South Florida Landscape

While much of the U.S. is getting ready to paint itself in a vibrant palette of fall colors, South Florida offers a unique twist on the season. Our mild temperatures might not create the picture-perfect autumn landscape, but that doesn’t mean our trees don’t need seasonal maintenance.

With the threat of hurricanes, year-round pests, and subtle environmental changes, it’s even more important to provide our trees with the extra care and attention they need to thrive throughout the year. This article covers the fall tree care tips that South Florida residents need to know.

Key Takeaways

• South Florida’s mild winters prevent trees from entering a deep dormancy, making them more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and environmental stressors.
• Fall is a great time to give our trees the care they need to thrive throughout the year.
• The five fall tree care tasks you need to know about are pruning, fertilization, pest and disease control, applying mulch, and watering properly.

How South Florida’s Climate Affects Tree Dormancy

South Florida’s subtropical climate is characterized by mild winters and warm summers. While this may seem ideal for year-round outdoor activities, it also presents unique challenges for our trees.

South Florida trees do not experience a complete dormancy period. Instead of conserving energy and resources during winter, like trees in colder areas, they constantly expend energy on growth and development throughout the year. This can make it difficult for trees to build up the reserves they need to withstand stress, leaving them more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and environmental stressors.

5 Fall Tree Care Tips to Keep Your South Florida Landscape Healthy

From managing year-round pests to preparing for the tail end of hurricane season, fall is a great time to give your trees the care they need to stay vibrant and resilient. There are five important tree care tips we recommend you add to your seasonal to-do list.

1. Regular Pruning

Regular tree care goes beyond just size reduction. While crown reduction pruning can be helpful for managing tree size, it’s not the only, or necessarily most common, practice. Regular pruning focuses on maintaining overall tree health and safety. This includes:

• Cleaning: Removing dead, dying, or broken branches improves the tree’s health and appearance while minimizing the risk of hurricane damage caused by weakened or falling limbs.
• Thinning: Selectively removing branches to improve air circulation and light penetration within the tree canopy. This is especially important in our humid climate, where fungal infections are common.
• Raising: Removing lower branches to increase clearance for walkways, buildings, or other structures.

2. Fertilization

Fertilization can help trees store essential nutrients for the winter, promoting healthy new growth when the active growing season starts back up in the spring. Not all fertilizers are the same, so conducting a soil test can help determine nutrient

deficiencies in your soil and help you choose a product formulated for your tree’s specific needs.

Fertilizer should be applied within the tree’s drip line, and you should always avoid placing it against the trunk to prevent root burn.

The palmetto weevil is a common pest in South Florida, and can cause severe damage to palms, leading to decline and even death.

3. Pest and Disease Control

South Florida’s subtropical climate provides an ideal breeding ground for a variety of common pests, including scale insects, aphids, and mealybugs. Monitor your trees for signs of infestation, such as unusual leaf discoloration, insect damage, or cankers.

If you spot any concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact a certified arborist for expert advice and treatment options. While not all pests or diseases can be eradicated, addressing issues promptly can significantly benefit both the affected tree and nearby plants.

4. Mulch

Mulch is more than just for show, it also plays an important role in protecting South Florida trees during the winter months. Mulch helps trees survive sudden cold snaps by insulating roots and retaining moisture.

Apply a layer of organic mulch that is 2-4 inches deep around the base of the tree. Mulch should never touch the trunk, as this can lead to rot. As the mulch decomposes, refresh the layer to maintain its effectiveness.

5. Water Properly

Dry spells can occur, especially as fall turns to winter and our monthly precipitation amounts dip. To combat these dry periods and ensure your trees receive adequate moisture, consider the following tips:

• Deep and Less Frequent Watering: Water less frequently but more deeply to a depth of 6-8 inches to encourage deeper root development.
• Water Early Morning or Late Evening: Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day to minimize water loss through evaporation.
• Check Soil Moisture: Use a soil moisture probe as the most accurate way to determine if your trees need watering.

Sherlock Tree Is Your Fall Tree Care Expert

As you can see, fall is a great time to provide extra care for your South Florida trees. But if you’d rather spend less time worrying about your trees, and more time sipping on pumpkin spice lattes and other seasonal delights around Miami-Dade County, contact Sherlock Tree.

By hiring a local tree care company, you can expect:

• Expert Care: Our Certified Arborists have the knowledge and experience to provide tailored care for all your trees.
• Time-Saving Convenience: We handle all aspects of tree care, saving you time and effort.
• Long-Term Tree Health: Regular professional care can contribute to your trees’ long-term health and vitality.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that your trees are in good hands can give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy the fall season to the fullest.

Give us a call today at 954-788-4000 to schedule a consultation and learn more about our fall tree care services.