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The Most Important “Tree Care Tasks” in September
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Now is the perfect time to check on your trees, plant some if needed, do some light pruning, and get them ready for the coming cold months.
In September, late summer begins to give way to autumn, and you can notice that trees are preparing for the change of season. Growth gradually slows down and many species begin to enter dormancy. This is the ideal time to inspect trees, plant new ones where appropriate, carry out light pruning and prepare them for the colder months ahead. In this blog, we explain what you can do in September to keep your trees healthy.
Planting trees in September: the ideal start to the planting season
Would you like to buy a tree from Amitis? September is a good month for planting trees. The soil is still warm, which encourages root growth, while the risk of extreme heat or drought is lower than in summer. This allows trees to establish themselves well before winter, resulting in better growth in spring.
When planting in September, it is important to keep the root ball moist both before and after planting. Water the tree immediately after planting and then regularly check that the soil around the roots does not become too dry.
How do you protect your trees in September?
Although the risk of prolonged drought decreases, September can still be warm and dry. Newly planted trees therefore require some extra attention:
- Check the moisture level of the soil to a depth of around 10 cm and water if necessary.
- Cover the soil around the tree with organic material (such as bark or compost) to prevent the sun from drying out the soil too quickly.
- Make sure the tree remains properly supported by tree stakes with a tree tie or a bamboo cane, so that strong winds cannot cause it to lean.
Can you prune trees in September?
September is a good month for light pruning. Trees are growing less vigorously at this time and there is less sap flow in the branches. As a result, pruning wounds can heal more quickly and the risk of damage to the tree is reduced.
Pruning tips for September:
- Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches.
- Hedges and topiary trees can be given a final trim before winter.
- Always use clean and sharp tools.
Fertilising trees in September: is it still necessary?
In general, September is not the month to apply large amounts of nitrogen-rich fertiliser. You want trees to prepare for winter rather than continue producing large amounts of new leaves and shoots.
What you can do is enrich the soil with organic material that breaks down slowly and improves the soil structure. For example, consider compost or well-rotted manure to nourish the soil. This gives the roots a richer environment during the winter. Always apply compost or manure as a layer on top of the existing soil, as incorporating organic material into the soil can cause gas formation, which may restrict root growth.
September is a month for checking diseases and pests
As the growing season slows down, trees can sometimes become affected by fungi or insects that take advantage of weakened leaves. It is therefore important to remain vigilant.
Look out for:
- Leaves that change colour or fall prematurely.
- Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew or rust.
- Leaves damaged by caterpillars or beetles.
What can you do?
- Remove affected leaves and branches to help limit the spread.
- Use biological control methods where necessary.
- Collect fallen leaves showing signs of fungal disease and dispose of them to prevent diseases from spreading.
Conclusion: September is the month to prepare for autumn
In September, tree care is all about planting, checking and preparing for winter. By planting new trees now, improving the soil, carrying out light pruning and keeping an eye out for diseases, you can help your trees stay strong and healthy throughout the colder months.
Do you have any questions about tree care in September? Feel free to contact us via WhatsApp or email for personal advice!
