September tree care and tree service checklist

For homeowners

• Fall is a good time to plant many trees once the heat eases, so plan your planting list.
• Remove dead or hazardous limbs before leaves drop and before winter storms.
• Watch for early color change that may signal stress or disease.

For tree crews

• Book fall pruning and removals before the busy season.
• Be ready for tropical remnants and nor'easter-style events later in the season.
• Offer planting and stump grinding as cooler weather arrives.

For homeowners

• Keep your storm plan ready, including who to call if a tree falls.
• Do not trim or cut storm-damaged trees yourself if they are tangled in lines or under tension.
• Take photos of your trees and property for records.

For tree crews

• Peak of hurricane season: keep equipment fueled and crews on call.
• Prepare for large volumes of emergency, cleanup and debris calls.
• Be clear and honest with customers about wait times and pricing.

For homeowners

• Early fall is a good time to plan removals and pruning of trees you have worried about all summer.
• Plan fall planting as temperatures cool.
• Check for dead trees before heavy fall winds arrive.

For tree crews

• Strong fall storm systems can bring wind events.
• Start scheduling dormant-season work early.
• Promote hazard tree checks and fall planting.

For homeowners

• Heat may linger, so keep watering new trees until cooler weather settles in.
• Prepare for tropical systems if you live near the Gulf Coast.
• Plan for fall planting once temperatures drop.

For tree crews

• Stay alert for hurricanes and tropical storms along the Gulf.
• Fall severe weather can begin in some areas.
• Start booking cooler-season work.

For homeowners

• Fall can be a good time for planting where soil is still warm and moisture is available.
• Clean up dead branches and brush before winter snow.
• Keep fire safety in mind while the dry season continues.

For tree crews

• Follow fire restrictions until officials lift them.
• Offer pre-winter pruning to reduce snow and ice damage risk.
• Early snow can break limbs on trees that still have leaves.

For homeowners

• Monsoon season winds down, but late storms are still possible.
• Cooler weather is a better time to plant than midsummer in many areas.
• Inspect trees for storm damage from the summer.

For tree crews

• Demand rises as extreme heat eases and homeowners get outside.
• Offer planting, thinning and cleanup work.
• Keep heat safety rules in place while temperatures remain high.

For homeowners

• Fire danger often remains high into fall, so keep brush and dead wood cleared.
• Fall planting begins in many areas as the weather cools.
• Prepare for the rainy season by checking drainage and tree health.

For tree crews

• Check local fire rules before work.
• Offer fire-safe pruning and removals.
• Start lining up winter storm prep work.