Fall in Raleigh and across the Triangle means cooler weather, colorful leaves, and football weekends—but it’s also the most important time to prepare your trees for the months ahead. From Cary to Durham to Chapel Hill, seasonal tree care now can help prevent storm damage, improve safety, and give your trees a healthy start in the spring.

Think of fall tree maintenance as a seasonal tune-up. Small steps now can save you from big problems later.

Inspect Trees for Hidden Damage

Summer storms often leave behind more than just scattered branches. Cracked limbs, hollow spots, and weakened trunks can go unnoticed until the next cold front turns them into a hazard. Homeowners should walk their property and look for:

• Mushrooms or fungal growth at the tree’s base 
• Large cracks or peeling bark 
• Dead or hanging branches high in the canopy 

Read how our Raleigh tree removal experts handle tree removal on our Residential Tree Removal page.

These are red flags that a tree may not make it through the winter. If you see them, it’s time to bring in a professional.

If you’re not sure whether a tree is safe, the Arbor Day Foundation’s guide to detecting hazardous trees offers excellent insights on when to call a tree company.

Skip Pruning in the Fall, Save It for Winter or Early Spring

It may feel natural to prune in the fall as leaves drop, but arborists warn against it. Here’s why:

• New growth risk: Pruning stimulates fresh shoots, which often can’t harden before freezing weather. 
• Higher infection risk: Fungi spread more actively in the fall, and pruning wounds are slower to heal, leaving trees vulnerable.

For more background, The Spruce explains why fall is the worst time for pruning.

Instead, the best times for major pruning are:

• Late winter, before new growth begins. 
• Early spring, as trees exit dormancy and heal faster. 

The only exception is safety pruning—if a branch is cracked, hanging, or threatening your home, limited trimming is appropriate any time of year.

Learn how our team determines the right time and method for safe, effective pruning on our Tree Trimming & Pruning Services page.

Clear Out Debris and Fallen Leaves

Fallen leaves may look harmless, but piles left around your yard can create problems:

• Pest harborage: Damp leaf piles invite rodents and insects. 
• Root rot and fungus: Excess moisture promotes disease at the base of trees. 
• Slip hazards: Wet leaves can create unsafe walkways. 

Instead of bagging every leaf, mulch them around your trees to act as a natural insulator. This protects roots through fluctuating winter temperatures and enriches soil for spring.

Protect Roots Before Winter

Healthy roots mean healthy trees, but they’re vulnerable as the ground freezes and thaws. To protect them:

• Apply a 2–4 inch mulch layer around the tree’s base, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. 
• Avoid piling soil directly over exposed roots, which can suffocate them. 
• Watch for soil erosion around roots, especially on slopes or after heavy rain. 

Proper mulching not only insulates roots but also reduces weeds and helps retain soil moisture.

Consider Preventive Tree Removal

Some trees simply won’t make it through winter storms. If a tree is leaning, heavily decayed, or overhanging your roof, fall is the safest time to remove it. Ice and snow add dangerous weight, and frozen ground makes emergency removals riskier.

Proactive removal now avoids costly property damage later—and helps protect nearby healthy trees from falling debris.

Learn how our Raleigh tree removal experts handle tree removal on our Residential Tree Removal page .

FAQs: Fall Tree Care in the Triangle

Q: Should I fertilize trees in the fall?

Yes. Fertilizing in fall replenishes nutrients before dormancy and supports stronger growth in the spring.

Q: Can I prune my trees myself?

Light pruning is fine, but for larger branches or tall trees, call a professional. Safety risks aren’t worth the gamble.

Q: What’s the biggest mistake homeowners make in fall?

Skipping inspections. Small cracks, weak branches, and fungal growth often go unnoticed until storms hit, turning small problems into major hazards.

A Safer Yard Starts with Fall Maintenance

Fall is the season of prevention. With the right steps, you can protect your home, family, and landscape before winter storms roll in.

From trimming and pruning to seasonal tree care and emergency tree removal in the Triangle, A+ Tree & Crane provides expert service across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, and Chapel Hill. Our crews and advanced equipment make tree care safe, efficient, and effective year-round.

Get peace of mind before winter weather arrives by booking your fall tree maintenance today