Better roots

Fall color gets the applause, but some of a tree’s most important work happens beneath your feet. While the canopy winds down for the season, roots can keep growing deep into fall, preparing the tree for what comes next.

That makes autumn an ideal time to give your trees a little attention above and below ground, through pruning and Plant Health Care, says Jay Dalton, certified arborist and co-owner of Titan Arbor Care.

“Late fall is prime time for pruning,” Jay says. “With the leaves down, we can see exactly what we’re working with.”

Strategic pruning can remove dead, damaged or crossing limbs.

Timing matters, especially with oaks. Pruning in late fall, when the sap-feeding beetles that can spread oak wilt are inactive, reduces the risk of infection, Jay notes.

Pruning takes care of what you can see. The other half happens where you can’t.

Many people assume a tree goes dormant once the leaves drop. But while the branches rest, a tree’s root system can remain active late into the season.

Plant health care builds on that underground activity by supporting the tree from the roots up.

Titan’s deep-root bio stimulant treatments take advantage of that window, helping increase root mass before the soil freezes.

For some trees, the goal isn’t more growth above ground. It’s helping the tree devote more of its resources to the roots.

Tree growth regulators can redirect energy away from excessive shoot growth and toward root development while improving the tree’s tolerance to stress. They can help trees that need constant trimming or are growing in stressful conditions.

Fall is also the time to get ahead of certain pests settling in for winter. Titan’s soil treatments can target those overwintering pests before they emerge in spring.

For Jay, the key is looking at tree care as an ongoing process, not something to think about only once the damage shows above ground.

Fall color may get the applause, but the work that shapes next year’s tree is already underway, above and below ground.

Guard your yard. Call 216-586-6955; Titan Arbor Care is standing by. For a complete list of services, visit TitanArborCare.com.