Tips for Seasonal Tree & Shrub Care

SPRING PLANTING, TRIMMING AND FERTILIZING

In March, start pruning to thin out old, overgrown shrubs. Consider deep root fertilizer and start treating for chewing insects.
Schedule repair work or trimming for trees damaged by winter snows.
Plant new trees around April. Take care to select the proper location and choose a tree that meets the site requirements of the location you’re placing it in. Is the soil dry or sandy? How is drainage? How much sun or shade does the location get? Choosing the right location will affect your success rate and your tree’s health.
For event better results, purchase native species that are accustomed to the regional climate.
One of the most common problems with planting is putting plants too deep, which can stress the tree and suffocate the roots. Be sure that the top of the root collar is even or just above the soil. Do not over mulch.

April is a good time to schedule chemical tree treatments for winter moth and other plant damaging insects.
Moisture is necessary for most plant and tree diseases to thrive. Target watering to turf and bed surfaces. Avoid wetting of foliage.
Air movement and light penetration favor plant health and reduces pest problems. Conditions can be improved through proper plant spacing at planting and good pruning and trimming practices.
Good sanitation reduces the source and habitat of insects and diseases and helps control outbreaks. Removal of leaves and debris beneath plants with known problems is beneficial. Heavy deposits of leaves on turf or groundcovers over the winter will cause damage.
Vigorous, healthy plants with good reserves can fight off pests and resist environmental stress much better than those in a weakened condition.

Select good quality stock for planting and follow proper planting guidelines
Establish good watering practices. Too much is as bad as not enough. Watering should be slow, infrequent and deep.
Compacted soils should be aerated to improve air exchange for roots
Use good quality organic mulch. Total depth should not exceed 3°®
Periodic maintenance fertilization gives plants the building blocks for food making and building reserves.
Prune and trim woody plants according to their needs and habit; for health, longevity and a pleasing look.
Insect and disease problems or other symptoms of decline should be evaluated and treated by a certified arborist who can provide proper diagnosis and restore tree health.

Heavy wet snow and freezing ice storms can weigh down tree branches and limbs causing them to weaken or break.
Preventive pruning and trimming in the fall can lower the risk of catastrophic damage when the next winter snow or ice storm hits.
A skilled arborist can lighten and reduce the length of heavy branches, remove hazardous deadwood and cable or brace weak crotches to prepare your trees for winter weather

Deer commonly feed on the bark and greens of certain plants for nutrition in the winter. Deer repellent treatments can protect your ornamental evergreen shrubs and young trees from being eaten during cold winters when food supplies are scarce for deer.
Ideally, repellents are applied year round to account for weathering and new growth. In practice, though, deer turn to ornamental shrubs only after other foods are exhausted; November to April is when the greatest damage to shrubs and trees can occur
Shrub & Tree Treatments: We use a repellent formulation to treat trees and shrubs, which has proven safe, long-lasting and effective.

Fall fertilization is beneficial for promoting root growth rather than leaf growth. It enables the trees to store up reserves and be ready for healthy growth the following spring.
Installing a layer of mulch around the root zones of each tree help control temperature extremes and minimize moisture loss. Be sure to leave space between the tree trunk and mulch.