Short answer: Begin in late summer with a friendly inspection. Support plants with deep‑root feeding and preventive treatments for insects, mites, and fungus. Add selective pruning on a set schedule, keep watering steady, and use mulch the right way. This plan helps your landscape bounce back from summer and settle into winter in good health.
Fall tree and shrub care in Virginia sets the stage for spring. Below you will find what to do, when to do it, and how our team keeps the work simple for Northern Virginia homes.
Why does fall tree and shrub care matter?
Fall brings cooler air while the soil stays warm. Roots stay active even as top growth slows. That is the sweet spot for recovery after a hot, dry summer and for building stronger root systems before winter. A steady plan now prevents small issues from turning into spring problems.
What our Tree and Shrub Care Program includes
A structured program is the easiest way to keep trees and shrubs healthy.
- Seven thoughtfully timed applications each year
- Horticultural oil, fertilizer, deep‑root fertilization, and targeted control for mites, insects, and fungus
- Licensed Technician at every visit; in many neighborhoods you see the same person each time
- Shrubs and ornamental trees included; trees treated up to a maximum height of 20 feet
If shaping and bed care are on your list, add our Pruning and/or Weeding Plan. You can schedule monthly visits from March through December or choose every two months. When both services are selected, we combine them at one visit.
Learn more about the Tree & Shrub Care Program.
The 7 steps
1. Start with a friendly inspection and plan
Walk the property with your Account Manager. Confirm which plants you want treated, note concerns, and set the order of treatments. Once you approve the estimate, we add your home to a route so visits happen on time and in the right sequence. During inspections we look for color change, dieback, scale, mites, early leaf diseases, drainage issues, and soil compaction.
2. Rebuild strength with deep‑root feeding
Deep‑root fertilization places nutrients into the root zone below the surface. It supports recovery after summer stress and helps plants store energy before dormancy. In our region, soils can be dense; delivering nutrients below the surface improves uptake without pushing soft late growth.
3. Prevent insects, mites, and fungus before they spread
Stressed plants are easier targets. Our plan uses horticultural oil and targeted products to manage common issues such as scale, mites, and leaf spot. The goal is prevention, not reaction, so plants enter winter with fewer pressures. If you see unusual spotting, webbing, or sticky leaves between visits, let your Account Manager know and we adjust.
4. Add selective pruning on a reliable schedule
Pruning keeps plants the right size for the space, removes damaged wood, and tidies the overall look. Pairing the health program with the Pruning Plan keeps beds clean while the program protects plant vigor.
5. Water the right way in fall
Cooler days do not end the need for water. Roots absorb moisture until the ground cools. Water slowly at the base, let the top few inches of soil dry slightly, then water again. Morning is best so foliage dries quickly. Before a hard freeze, give trees and shrubs a deep soak if rainfall has been light.
6. Mulch for protection, not problems
Mulch 2 to 4 inches deep to hold moisture, moderate soil temperature, and protect trunks from string trimmers. Keep mulch a few inches away from trunks and stems to reduce rot and pest issues. If beds already have mulch, fluff or top off where thin. Skip the “volcano”; keep the mulch low and wide.
7. Keep an eye on things and follow up
Healthy landscapes come from steady attention. If you notice changes between visits, reach out. Many clients see the same technician at each visit, which helps us spot small issues early.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping fall care because plants look fine
Stress builds quietly; prevention is easier than a rescue. - Over‑fertilizing late in the season
More is not better; use deep‑root feeding at the right time. - Mulch piled against trunks
Keep mulch off bark to avoid rot and pests. - Treating every spot as a disease
Several issues mimic each other; confirm before treating.
Frequently asked questions about tree and shrub care in Virginia
What months work best for Tree and Shrub care?
With the long growing season in Virginia, it is important to be proactive in the health of your plants and ornamental trees. Preventive treatments for insects, mites, and fungus work best during the growing season, which starts in March and goes through November across Northern Virginia.
How many treatments are in the Tree and Shrub Care Program?
Seven applications across the year. The plan includes horticultural oil, fertilizer, deep‑root fertilization, and targeted control for mites, insects, and fungus.
Is pruning part of those seven treatments?
Pruning and weeding are separate. Schedule monthly from March through December. They pair well with the health program.
How tall are the trees you treat in the program?
We treat trees up to a maximum height of 20 feet.
Why choose deep‑root feeding instead of only surface feeding?
Both are beneficial, however placing nutrients in the active root zone supports recovery and storage before winter without pushing tender new growth at the surface.
Where can I read more about diagnosing problems at home?
Helpful guides are available from the Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Department of Forestry. For planting and mulching basics, see Virginia Tech’s mulching guide and Plant NOVA Trees tips.