With summer officially over and fall in full swing, it's time to give your trees some tender-loving care. You might not realize this, but your trees are going to need some additional care, especially if you want to reduce the risk of weather-related damage come winter. Here are some steps you need to take this fall to ensure a safe winter for your trees. 

Remove the Dead Leaves

With fall underway, your trees are probably in the midst of losing all of their leaves. If that's the case, your yard is probably covered in them. You might be tempted to leave them there for added protection against the freezing temperatures that are sure to come this winter. If that's the case, it's time to rethink that plan. Fallen leaves can retain moisture as they go through the decaying process during the fall. Unfortunately, if they're not cleared away, they can actually develop mold, which can harm your trees. To protect your trees, be sure to remove all the dead leaves before winter arrives. 

Prune Heavy Branches

With winter just around the corner, it's time to take a close look at your tree. You want to pay attention to the branches, especially those closer to the top. If you see any that seem damaged, or that make the tree top-heavy, it's time to call a nearby tree service. Damaged or heavy branches should be removed before winter arrives, especially if you're expecting snow or ice this year. Snow and ice can add weight to those branches, which can cause them to break. To prevent that, it's best to remove those branches before they become a problem this winter. 

Add Organic Mulch

If you're expecting snow or ice this winter, now's the time to protect the root system. One of the best ways to do that is through the use of organic mulch. This will not only provide insulation for your tree's roots, it will also provide additional nutrients that your trees will need this winter. 

Protect Young Trees

If you've planted new trees this year, they might not be strong enough to survive the winter without added protection. If that's the case, you'll need to add a layer of protection. One way to do that is to wrap your new trees in burlap. This will protect them from frostbite. If you're not sure how to wrap your trees, hire a tree service. They'll make sure your trees are properly wrapped before winter arrives.

For more information reach out to a company like Apex Landscaping.