Fall isn’t just a time for raking leaves—it’s also a key moment for treating your trees against pests, disease, and environmental stress. Whether you’re caring for shade trees, ornamentals, or fruit trees, fall treatments help strengthen them before winter and promote healthy spring growth.

1. Dormant Oil Spray

Applying horticultural oil after leaf drop helps control overwintering insect eggs and larvae like:

• Aphids

• Scale insects

• Mites

These pests can multiply rapidly in spring if not addressed now.

2. Fungicide Treatments

If your trees had issues with leaf spot, blight, or powdery mildew, fall is the time to break the cycle. After leaf drop, apply a preventive fungicide to protect buds and bark through the dormant season.

3. Deep Root Fertilization

Fall is ideal for deep root feeding. Trees store nutrients in their root systems to fuel spring growth. A slow-release fertilizer or liquid injection by a professional arborist can boost resilience and health heading into winter.

4. Soil Aeration & Amendment

Compacted soil reduces root health and water absorption. Fall is a great time to:

• Aerate soil

• Apply compost or biochar

• Test pH and add lime or sulfur as needed

5. Prevent Animal Damage

Install tree guards or mesh to protect against deer rub, rabbit chewing, and rodent girdling—especially important for younger trees and fruit varieties.

Fall treatments are preventative, not reactive—done now, they reduce the risk of major problems in the spring and prevent a service call for Tree Removal in West Chester. Consider scheduling a fall assessment with a certified arborist to determine the best course of action for your landscape.