A WELCOME TO FALL

Now that the uncomfortable hot humid days of summer have given way to the anticipated cool fall nights which seem to endlessly roll into breezy comfortable days, our unique community has started its annual environmental color show for all of our residents and visitors to ENJOY! For the next couple of short weeks squirrels will be collecting and hiding the never ending supply of acorns which blanket the ground. The frequent sounds of acorns hitting cars, decks and driveways echoing throughout our quiet rural splendor will soon give way to the gentle sounds of falling leaves continuously raining out of the lazy October sky. The mass migration of our various species of birds will give way to the leaf rustling sounds of whitetail deer running and chasing each other through our yards.

The sights, smells and sounds of fall offer a last look at our beautiful outdoor community before the unwelcome frigid winter months take over. This year’s drought will make our annual fall color show even shorter than usual. Take the time to walk through our community’s rural splendor and enjoy this wonderful time which helps to make Palos Park a very special place to live.

FALL TREE CARE IDEAS
As winter quickly approaches, here are some ideas to make your trees look beautiful, healthy, and vigorous next spring.

• During October and November, male Whitetail Deer will rub their antlers on young trees usually 1 to 3 inches thick. The deer prefer to rub their antlers on quaking aspens, however young birches, maples, lindens, ashes, and oaks are all at risk. Take the necessary precautions to protect your young trees from antler damage. Try wrapping a piece of 4-inch plastic drain-tile starting from the ground up and around the tree 3 to 4 feet high. Damage to the bark caused by a deer rubbing it’s antlers on a tree can often lead to the trees death.
• Fall is the best time to plant a new tree. The rate of having a successful planting is higher than at any other time of year. Young trees by this time have stored all the energy they need for the winter months. The freshly planted root system has an easier time adjusting to its new soil because of the cooler temperatures and the moist soil conditions.
• Make sure to give all of your trees a good 4 inch layer of mulch. When possible, try to cover the whole area under the drip line with organic or inorganic mulch. This layer of mulch helps the tree establish important organisms in the root area essential to its development. Mulch can also hold moisture in the soil under hot conditions and insulate tree roots during brutal cold periods.
• Late fall and winter present the best time to prune your trees. As temperatures drop and insects die, trees pruned during this time are less likely to be invaded by potentially deadly insects or diseases after need ed pruning cuts are made. Although dead limbs can be removed year round, pruning cuts to your healthy trees should always be made during the fall and winter months.