As summer wraps up and the colors start to shift here in West Michigan, many folks are focused on apple orchards, leaf-peeping, and prepping their homes for cooler temps. But there’s one big area often overlooked: your trees.

At New Life Arboricultural Services, we see it every year—homeowners in Grand Rapids and the surrounding communities wait until winter damage sets in before calling in the pros. The truth is, September is prime time to catch early signs of tree trouble and stop small problems from turning into big ones.

Here’s what to watch for before the first frost falls.

1. Early Leaf Drop: A Warning Sign Worth Noticing

While it’s normal for trees to drop leaves in autumn, if you’re seeing large patches of brown or bare branches while neighboring trees are still green, it’s a red flag. Early defoliation often points to:

• Root stress or soil compaction
  

• Drought damage from summer heat
  

• Pest infestations or disease

In Grand Rapids, Norway Maples and Oaks are particularly sensitive to changes in soil moisture and temperature. If your tree is ahead of schedule dropping leaves, it may need a closer look.

2. Signs of Insect Activity or Tree Pests

September is when many tree insects start preparing for winter—some lay eggs, others burrow into bark. Unfortunately, this can leave your trees vulnerable to long-term damage.

Look for:

• Holes in bark or leaves
  

• Sticky sap or “honeydew”
  

• Webbing or sawdust near the base

In West Michigan, common culprits include Emerald Ash Borer, Spotted Lanternfly (a growing threat), and Scale insects. Spotting them early gives us time to apply targeted treatments before the tree shuts down for winter.

3. Bark Damage and Cracks

Bark protects trees just like skin protects us. But as temps drop, bark becomes more brittle—and summer wounds can worsen if left untreated.

Check for:

• Vertical cracks in the trunk
  

• Areas where bark is peeling or missing
  

• Discoloration or soft spots
  

These might be signs of fungal infection or even internal rot. In winter, cracked bark can lead to “frost cracks,” which split under extreme temperature swings.

4. Fungal Growth—Don’t Ignore Mushrooms

Mushrooms might look charming at the base of a tree, but they’re often a symptom of hidden decay. If you see fungal growth along the trunk or roots, it’s time to call a certified arborist.

Common fungi in our region include:

• Armillaria (Honey Fungus)
  

• Ganoderma (Shelf Fungus)
  

• Anthracnose (leaf spots with fungal spores)

These organisms thrive in the moist, shaded conditions common in Michigan’s fall season. They don’t just feed off dead tissue—they accelerate decay.

5. Dead or Hanging Branches

One of the most dangerous and often overlooked hazards: dead branches. In September, you’ll notice which limbs didn’t recover from summer storms. If left unchecked, these can break off during winter snow loads.

Look for:

• Brittle branches with no leaves
  

• Deadwood higher up in the canopy
  

• Limb tips that snap easily when bent

Proper pruning now means fewer emergency calls later.

6. Leaning Trees or Root Shifts

After a season of storms, your tree’s posture matters. A tree that’s starting to lean or one with visible root plate movement may have structural issues underground.

What to check:

• Exposed roots or soil heaving
  

• A noticeable lean that wasn’t there in spring
  

• Cracks in the ground around the base

Leaning trees can sometimes be corrected—but the longer you wait, the riskier they become, especially under heavy snow or wind.

7. Weak or Yellowing Leaves

If your tree’s leaves have yellowed prematurely, curled, or developed odd spots, it could be a nutrient deficiency—or something more serious like chlorosis, root rot, or disease.

Keep an eye out for:

• Iron deficiency (yellow leaves with green veins)
  

• Necrotic spots (dead patches)
  

• Wilted or shriveled new growth

September is your last good window to get a soil analysis or apply treatments before the ground hardens.

Why September Matters: Timing is Everything

Here in Michigan, fall isn’t just beautiful—it’s a crucial turning point for tree health. Trees enter a dormancy phase soon, meaning their ability to heal or absorb nutrients slows dramatically.

Addressing issues now means:

• Better resistance to frost and ice damage

• Safer limbs over walkways and driveways

• Reduced chance of disease spreading through winter

And frankly, it’s easier (and more cost-effective) to fix a small issue now than to remove a hazard later.

The Certified Arborist Advantage

At New Life Arbor, we don’t just “take down trees.” We’re rooted in the West Michigan community, helping families and businesses understand what their trees need to thrive—season after season.

All our assessments are done by certified arborists with years of experience in local soil, climate, and species-specific care. Whether you’re dealing with a sick maple in Ada or a leaning oak in Byron Center, we’ve got your back.

Final Word: Walk Your Yard This Week

Before the leaves fully turn, take 15 minutes to walk your property. Notice how your trees look, feel, and even smell. Trust your instincts—if something seems off, it probably is.

Better yet, give us a call. We offer free estimates and quick on-site evaluations across Grand Rapids and beyond.

Don’t wait for winter to reveal what fall already knows.

Visit https://newlifearbor.com/ to schedule your assessment and protect your trees today.