One has to ask: are your trees in any condition for an Iowa winter? You may be wondering which of the fall chores are a must for the protection of your trees and which can be put off till spring. Then there is the matter of those branches overhanging the roof, when was it you last gave them a proper once over?

Should such questions give you pause, come to us. We at Tree Police are a locally owned and run operation in Cedar Rapids and would be glad to see your trees put in order before the cold weather makes its presence known. Do not hesitate to call (319) 448-3955, day or night.

Dustin Carson, who has made Cedar Rapids his home all his life, started Tree Police in 2012 with an eye for fair dealing and a real concern for the community. Our crew has 25 years in the tree service business and a working knowledge of the local terrain. That is important in Iowa where fall tree care is something of an art form compared to other places.

Why Fall Matters for Your Trees

There is no better time of year than fall to tend to your trees. With the growing season drawing to a close, they are directing their energy to the roots as opposed to the leaves. Any work you do now will be repaid in healthy growth by spring.

Then again, this is the time of year the weather in Cedar Rapids can change on you. A weak branch or an unhealthy tree will be hard put to deal with the wind, ice and snow that comes our way. Some attention in October or November spares you from damage in January.

A Fall Tree Care Checklist

As the season turns, we suggest every homeowner in Cedar Rapids consider the following:

• Put in the time to rake up fallen leaves; you do not want them smothering the lawn or holding moisture to the base of the tree
• Check for any dead or cracked branches, ones that might not hold up to ice and snow
• Before the ground is frozen, put some water on the trees, younger ones in particular could use it
• Put down some mulch at the base for the sake of insulating the roots
• Examine the tree while you can for pest damage or disease
• Prune if called for, many a tree does well with a fall trimming
• See to any branches encroaching on power lines, your driveway or the house itself

The Value of a Fall Inspection

You can walk by a tree each day and not see what is wrong. Yet small things have a habit of getting worse. A limb with a crack in it or a trunk that is leaning may be of no consequence in September but will come down with the first hard storm.

Too often a homeowner does not give his trees a thought until there is trouble. An inspection in the fall is the way to get ahead of it. There are telltale signs of rot and weak unions that escape the untrained eye, but our crew will spot them.

Watering and Mulching Done Right

It is a surprise to some how much of a difference watering makes in the fall. Let a tree go into winter dry and it is asking for damage. A good soak prior to the freeze is good for the roots.

Mulch is of assistance as well if done properly. Keep it two or three inches deep around the base but a few inches from the trunk. You will only be inviting decay and trapping moisture by piling it up against the bark.

When to Call the Pros

For some of these tasks you can do it yourself. When it involves a tall tree or large limbs, or anything in the vicinity of power lines, it is wiser to let those with the training and equipment take care of it. Safety is paramount.

Tree Police is here to help in Cedar Rapids and out to Iowa City, Marion, North Liberty, Coralville and Center Point. We do residential and commercial work and are on hand for emergencies round the clock. If a storm puts a branch down at 2 a.m. we will answer.

We put a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee on our work and will give you a free estimate so there are no surprises. Military veterans and customers we have done business with before can put in for a 10 percent discount.

To have your trees prepared for the winter, get in touch with us at (319) 448-3955. We are happy to put in an honest day’s work at a fair price for our neighbors and would like to help you put in a fall inspection or protect the trees on your property.