As summer fades in the Twin Cities and the first crisp mornings arrive, your trees are already shifting into dormancy. Fall is the season to give your trees the attention they need before winter’s snow, ice, and winds arrive. A little care now can prevent costly damage later.
At Birch Tree Care, we’ve been helping homeowners across Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Wayzata, Minnetonka, and the greater Twin Cities keep their trees strong for over 10 years. Here’s what to prioritize this fall.
1. Prune for health and safety
Fall is one of the best times to prune, especially once trees enter dormancy. Pruning removes weak, dead, or diseased branches that could otherwise break under heavy snow or ice. It also improves airflow, lowers disease risk, and keeps your landscape looking neat.
What to focus on:
Dead or brittle branches
Limbs hanging over roofs, driveways, or play areas
Crossed or rubbing branches that can cause wounds
Did you know that large branch removal is best left to ISA Certified Arborists to avoid improper cuts or unnecessary stress to the tree? Learn more about our tree pruning services.
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2. Inspect for pests before winter
Many tree pests in Minnesota, such as emerald ash borer (EAB) or needlecast fungi, are easier to manage when caught early. Fall is the right time to look for signs like thinning crowns, discolored needles, or small bore holes. Treating issues before trees go dormant gives them a head start for spring.
Ash trees: Watch for emerald ash borer damage. Preventative trunk or soil injections may still be an option.
Evergreens: Check for discolored needles, which may point to needlecast.
Maples and Oaks: Look for early leaf drop, which can be stress- or pest-related.
Concerned you may have an issue? Our arborists provide tree health assessments and targeted treatments to keep your landscape safe.
3. Mulch and protect roots
A fresh layer of mulch insulates roots and helps regulate soil moisture as the ground freezes and thaws. Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk.
For young or newly planted trees, staking may also be necessary to protect against strong fall winds and shifting soil.
4. Fertilize for next year’s growth
Fall fertilization isn’t about pushing out new leaves, but about strengthening root systems so your trees can store energy over winter. Deep root fertilization delivers nutrients directly where trees need them most, especially in compacted urban soils common across Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Learn about our deep root fertilization services and why they make a difference in Minnesota’s climate.
5. Prepare for winter storms
Minnesota winters are unpredictable, and heavy snow or ice can cause structural damage. Cabling or bracing may be necessary for older or storm-damaged trees to reduce risk.
If storms do hit, know that at Birch Tree Care, we provide emergency storm damage assistance to help remove hazards and protect your property quickly.
Why work with Birch Tree Care?
Caring for your trees in the fall is about protecting your investment in your home and landscape. Our ISA-Certified arborists bring over a decade of local experience and understand the unique challenges Minnesota trees face.
At Birch Tree Care, we make seasonal tree care simple. Whether it’s pruning, pest treatment, or preparing for winter storms, our team is here to help. We proudly serve the Twin Cities and surrounding areas, including Hamel, Maple Grove, Excelsior, Plymouth, Mound, and more.
Call us today at 651-877-6676 or request a free quote to get your trees ready for the season.