Give Your Trees the Protection They Need Before Winter

When you think of fall yard maintenance as a Dallas Texas resident, you probably think of raking leaves, trimming trees, or even cleaning your gutters. But one of the most overlooked and most beneficial tasks for your landscape this season is mulching, especially around your trees.

Is fall really the right time to mulch? The short answer: Yes. Absolutely. In fact, it might be the best time. Let’s explore why mulching in the fall is so important, especially here in the Dallas area.

Fall Mulch = Winter Protection

Dallas weather can be unpredictable. Mulch acts like a natural insulation layer, protecting your trees’ root systems from sudden temperature swings and hard frosts.

Why it matters:

Trees, especially younger or newly planted ones, are vulnerable to temperature stress. A proper mulch layer helps regulate soil temperature, keeping roots warmer during cold temperatures and cooler during unexpected warm-ups.

Moisture Retention During Dry Days

Even though fall might feel cooler, it’s often dry in the North Texas area. Without summer rains or regular irrigation, your trees may not be getting enough moisture to prepare for dormancy.

Mulch helps:

• Lock in soil moisture.
• Reduce evaporation.
• Minimize the need for frequent watering.

Tip: A 2–4 inch layer of mulch can make a major difference in keeping the soil hydrated longer between waterings.

Weed Suppression

Fall weeds can sneak in quickly and compete with your trees for nutrients and water, especially when leaves start to drop and the ground is more exposed.

Benefits of fall mulching for weed control:

• Creates a physical barrier to light.
• Prevents weed seeds from germinating.
• Makes spring cleanup easier.

Soil Health Boost

Organic mulch (like shredded bark or wood chips) doesn’t just sit on top of the soil, it breaks down over time and enriches the soil below.

How it helps your trees:

• Encourages beneficial microorganisms and fungi.
• Adds nutrients to the root zone.
• Improves soil structure and aeration.

What Not to Do When Mulching

While mulching is incredibly beneficial, doing it wrong can actually hurt your trees. The most common mistake we see? Volcano mulching; piling mulch high against the tree trunk.

Avoid this by:

• Keeping mulch 3–6 inches away from the base of the tree.
• Spread it evenly in a wide, donut-shaped ring.
• Using the right amount: 2–4 inches deep is ideal.

Too much mulch, especially right up against the trunk, can lead to rot, pests, and fungal problems.

Pro Tip: Re-Mulch Existing Beds

If you already have mulch around your trees, fall is a great time to refresh it. Break up compacted layers, remove excess buildup, and top it off with fresh mulch to maintain the benefits through winter.

Ready to Mulch Smarter This Fall?

Whether you’re planting new trees, caring for mature ones, or cleaning up your landscape before winter, mulching is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to protect your investment.

At Green Pine Tree Services, we offer:

• Arborist evaluation.
• On-site consultations.
• And much more.

Call us today or schedule an estimate to schedule your fall tree service. Let’s get your trees prepped for a healthy, beautiful spring!