With a wet Pacific Northwest winter on the way, you may be asking yourself how best to put your trees in good order. Is that maple with the lean or the deadwood above you something to be concerned over? Or what of the fall storms and the effect they might have on the trees about your house?

We see this sort of concern from homeowners all over Whatcom County and at John the Arborist we are here to put their minds at ease. In our 20 plus years as a local, family run firm we have been of service to many. Our staff of ISA-certified arborists can help; call (360) 295-1200.

There is no better time than fall to tend to your trees. Put in some preparation now and it will spare you trouble down the road when our long, wet Bellingham winters set in.

Why Your Trees Need Fall Attention

The autumn months in Whatcom County mean the days grow short, the rain comes in force and the temperature drops. In response the tree will put on the brakes and get ready for dormancy. It is an ideal period for some care.

You will find there are distinct benefits to putting in work with your trees in the fall:

• Pruning is less of an ordeal for the tree in cooler climes
• A dormant tree puts a cut behind it faster
• There is not as much activity from pests and disease
• With the leaves gone you can see any structural issues
• Limbs vulnerable to the storm can be taken out ahead of the winter winds

Too often a homeowner will only think of tending to his trees once a branch has come down. An inspection in the fall is a good way to avoid such surprises.

A Pre-storm Inspection

Put in a walk around the property and cast an eye upward. The odd weak or damaged tree is the first to go when a strong storm hits the Pacific Northwest.

Be on the lookout for:

• Any dead or hanging branches
• Trunk or limb cracks
• A pronounced lean
• Fungus or mushrooms at the base
• Roots that are lifted or otherwise compromised
• Branches encroaching on power lines, the driveway or roof

Should you come across these things, do not put them off. One of our certified arborists can advise if cabling, removal or pruning is in order. If in any doubt we are happy to make an assessment.

Prune for a Reason

It is more than looks when you prune a tree; proper technique is what keeps it safe and healthy. In the fall you can open up the canopy and take away dead wood so limbs are not liable to break from wind and rain.

Yet a bad cut will weaken a tree for years to come and open it to disease. That is where experience counts. Be it a heritage piece of several generations or a young ornamental, our ISA-certified arborists know the right way to handle it.

Mulching and Clean Up

When the leaves begin to drop, do not let them accumulate in big mounds against your trunks. You will only be trapping moisture and inviting rot with wet debris.

Do this instead:

• Rake the leaves from around the base
• Put down some mulch to shield the roots from the cold but leave a few inches of space at the trunk
• Make sure to clear the gutters of any leaves from overhanging branches

As it decomposes the mulch will feed the tree while also holding in moisture and keeping the soil at an even temperature.

Planning for More Substantial Work

If you are thinking of having a tree removed or doing some fuels reduction, fall is a sensible time to see to it. Get it done before the winter and you will have peace of mind through the rest of the stormy season.

We are licensed and insured and have the backing of the Tree Care Industry Association. We are available around the clock for those occasions when a tree cannot wait and we cover all of Whatcom County from Ferndale and Lynden to Everson, Blaine, Birch Bay, Sudden Valley, Anacortes, Sedro-Woolley, Burlington and Mt. Vernon.

An initial consultation and free estimate for pruning or removal are part of what we do, so you are in the know before you decide. For larger undertakings Wisetack can pre-qualify you for financing.

Let us make the decision for you before a fall storm does. For a full tree removal or an inspection, the team at John the Arborist is at your service. Ring us at (360) 295-1200 and we will have your trees in shape for the winter.