New England Fall Seasonal Tree Care Update - November 2025 From a Connecticut Licensed Arborist

As the leaves finish falling and we head into winter, it’s a good time to look over the trees around our homes. Winter storms have a way of revealing weak spots that aren’t always noticeable in the summer months. A quick check now can help avoid surprises once the weather turns.

A few things worth paying attention to this time of year:

• Dead or cracked limbs that could break under snow or ice

• Branches over roofs, driveways, or walkways that may sag and become stressed by snow load

• Cracks where large limbs meet the trunk at narrow unions (included bark) expand and worsen during freeze-thaw cycles, especially in species like maple and certain ornamentals

• Conifers with heavy tops or narrow branch angles that tend to shed big limbs in nor’easters

• Soil shifting at the base or a tree that has recently developed a lean

With leaves off, tree structure is easier to see now than at any other time of year. This is a helpful time to make decisions before storms arrive and while access is still good.

Not every concern means major work is needed. Sometimes a selective prune or simply keeping an eye on a spot is the right approach. The goal is maintaining healthy, safe trees that continue to be assets to your property for many years.

If something around your home catches your eye and doesn’t seem quite right, I’m always happy to answer a question or take a look. Better to get ahead of a problem than deal with it after a storm..

Stay safe and prepared as winter gets closer.

RJ Tully

CT Arborist PCMS.0066001

Lone Pine Tree Service