As temperatures cool across North Texas, trees begin preparing for dormancy — but pests and diseases don’t take a break.
Fall is one of the most important times to inspect, treat, and prune your trees to prevent costly damage later.
At Keane Landscaping, our certified tree care team helps Dallas homeowners protect their landscapes from fall pests, oak wilt, and seasonal stress, ensuring your trees stay healthy all year long.
1. Understanding Common Fall Tree Pests in North Texas
Even as leaves start to drop, insects remain active through the early fall months. Some of the most common tree pests in Dallas include:
Fall Webworms
These caterpillars spin large, silken webs at the ends of branches and feed on leaves from inside their nests.
While webworms rarely kill trees, they can weaken growth and make your landscape look unsightly.
Keane Tip:
Prune out infested branches early, and avoid tearing webs open — it can spread larvae. In most cases, a professional trim and cleanup are all that’s needed.
Bagworms
Often found on cedar, juniper, and cypress trees, bagworms wrap themselves in tough cocoons that hang like ornaments.
If left unchecked, they can defoliate entire sections of a tree.
Control Tip: Remove visible bags by hand in fall before the larvae hatch in spring. Our team can also apply safe, targeted treatments if the infestation is widespread.
Aphids & Scale Insects
These small pests feed on sap and secrete sticky honeydew, leading to black mold growth and leaf damage.
You’ll notice curling leaves, sticky residue, or ants crawling up trunks.
Keane Tip: Dormant oil sprays and beneficial insects are natural, effective ways to control aphids and scale.
2. Oak Wilt Prevention: Protecting Dallas’ Signature Trees
Oak wilt remains one of the most serious tree diseases in Texas, particularly affecting live oaks and red oaks. It spreads quickly through root systems and insect activity, killing trees within weeks if untreated.
Prevention Tips from Keane Landscaping
Avoid pruning oak trees between February and June, when beetles spread spores most easily.
Seal all pruning cuts immediately with pruning paint or sealant — even in fall.
Inspect regularly for early symptoms such as browning veins, leaf drop, or dying branches.
Never move firewood from unknown sources — it can carry the fungus.
Our arborists provide preventative treatments and monitoring programs that protect oak trees from infection and minimize spread.
3. Fall Tree Pruning: The Key to Long-Term Health
Fall is an excellent time for light pruning and cleanup before winter dormancy.
Why Fall Pruning Matters
Removes weak or diseased branches before storms hit
Improves air circulation, reducing fungal growth
Shapes young trees for balanced structure
Prevents property damage from overhanging limbs
At Keane Landscaping, we use precision pruning techniques designed to encourage growth while protecting your trees from stress. For larger or mature trees, we always recommend professional care to ensure proper cuts and safety.
4. Soil Health and Fertilization
Healthy roots make for strong trees.
Fall is ideal for deep-root fertilization, replenishing nutrients lost during the summer and strengthening trees for winter.
Our organic soil enrichment methods improve root development and resistance to pests naturally.
5. Schedule a Fall Tree Health Inspection
Many homeowners don’t realize their trees are struggling until visible damage appears.
A fall inspection from Keane Landscaping helps identify:
Early signs of oak wilt or fungal disease
Hidden pest infestations
Structural or storm-damage risks
Soil or irrigation imbalances
We’ll create a tailored care plan for your property to keep your trees healthy, safe, and beautiful year-round.
Conclusion
Your trees are one of your landscape’s most valuable assets — protect them before winter arrives.
By tackling fall pests, preventing oak wilt, and maintaining proper pruning practices, you can keep your yard thriving through every season.
At Keane Landscaping, our Dallas tree experts are ready to help you inspect, treat, and maintain your property’s natural beauty.
Schedule your fall tree health inspection today
