November Tree Care in Abilene, TX: What Your Trees Need Before Winter Hits
As the weather cools and we finally get a break from the summer heat, November becomes one of the most important months for tree care in Abilene. At Thornton’s Tree Service, we know this transition period can make or break your tree’s health going into winter -and its ability to thrive next spring.
Here’s what homeowners should focus on this month to keep their trees strong, healthy, and protected from seasonal stress.
1. Clean Up Fall Debris to Protect Tree Health
Fallen leaves, broken limbs, and leftover storm debris can create moisture traps around your trees. This buildup can invite:
- Fungal growth
- Insect activity
- Root rot
- Pest nesting
A simple cleanup helps your trees breathe and keeps your yard looking sharp. If you have storm-damaged limbs or large debris, our tree care team can take care of the heavy lifting.
2. Inspect for Drought Stress (Yes, Even in Fall)
Abilene summers are really hard on trees, with high temps and high winds, and many carry that stress well into the colder months. November is the perfect time to look for:
- Early leaf drop
- Dead tips or brittle branches
- Thinning canopies
- Cracks in limbs or trunk
These signs can indicate long-term damage that needs professional attention before winter storms or freezing temperatures make things worse.
3. Schedule Winter Pruning for Stronger Spring Growth
Winter is the safest and most effective time to prune many tree species. November is when you want to get on the schedule so your trees can be shaped and cleaned up when they’re fully dormant.
Dormant pruning:
- Encourages healthier spring growth
- Reduces the risk of disease spread
- Helps prevent storm breakage
- Improves overall structure and safety
Thornton’s Tree Service offers expert pruning that keeps your trees beautiful, balanced, and safe.
4. Protect Young Trees and Newly Planted Trees
This is super important! If you planted a tree in the last 1 to 3 years, it needs a little extra care this month. November is ideal for:
- Adding fresh mulch (2–3 inches, don’t add more than that and keep it off the bark of the tree)
- Checking for exposed roots
- Wrapping trunks on thin-barked trees
- Watering deeply before the first freeze
Mulch helps regulate soil temperature and prevent root shock when those first cold fronts blow in.
5. Deep Watering Before a Freeze
Even though cooler weather takes stress off your trees, moisture levels in Abilene drop quickly in late fall. A deep watering in November helps:
- Insulate roots
- Prevent cold-weather desiccation
- Reduce freeze damage
- Support healthy spring bloom
A slow trickle over several hours is best – especially for large shade trees like pecans and oaks.
6. Look for Hazardous or Overhanging Limbs
With winter storms just weeks away, now is the time to take inventory of any branches that could pose a risk to your home, roof, vehicles, or power lines.
Warning signs include:
- Limbs rubbing your roof
- Branches hanging over driveways
- Cracks or splits
- Dead or hollow sections
- Trees leaning more than usual
Our team can safely inspect, prune, or remove hazardous limbs before they become a bigger problem.
Prepare Your Trees for Winter With Thornton’s Tree Service
A little November attention can prevent major tree care issues in January and February. Whether you need pruning, tree removal, stump grinding, storm cleanup, or a professional health assessment, Thornton’s Tree Service is here to help keep your property safe and your trees thriving.
Call us today to schedule your late-fall or winter tree care service. Let us handle the hard work so your trees stay strong, healthy, and beautiful all year long.
