4-Step Tree & Shrub Care Program

The 4-Step Tree & Shrub Care Program That Protects Your Investment

Let's be honest. Most homeowners spend all their time on the lawn and forget about the trees and shrubs until something goes wrong. By then, it's often too late. Trees and shrubs are the backbone of your landscape. They add curb appeal, shade, and property value. But they don't thrive on autopilot.

Here's exactly what we do and why it matters.

Step 1: Early Spring – Dormant Oil & Root Stimulation

Before the buds break, we apply horticultural dormant oil on ornamentals and trees as needed. This application smothers overwintering insect eggs and disease spores before they ever become a problem. No harsh chemicals. Just a precise application that stops trouble before it starts.

At the same time, we inject, apply, or drench the root zone with a slow-release organic or synthetic fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium. This wakes up the roots and gives your trees and shrubs the energy they need for a strong, healthy flush of new growth.

Why this works: Timing is everything. Early spring is the window of opportunity to prevent pests and build root strength before the growing season kicks into high gear.

Step 2: Late Spring – Systemic Insect Control & Foliar Feeding

By late spring, leaf-eating insects like aphids, scale, and bagworms are waking up. We apply a systemic insecticide or a targeted foliar spray that moves through the plant's vascular system. This protects every leaf, branch, and stem from the inside out.

We follow up with a liquid foliar fertilizer, and/or inject targeted caplets into tree trunks containing micronutrients like iron, manganese, and zinc. This corrects deficiencies quickly and gives your trees and shrubs that deep, rich green color that says "healthy."

Why this works: A systemic approach means you're not just spraying the surface. You're protecting the entire plant from the inside. And foliar feeding delivers nutrients directly where they're needed most.

Step 3: Early Summer – Fungicide Protection & Deep Root Feeding

Summer heat and humidity bring fungal diseases like powdery mildew, leaf spot, and anthracnose. We apply preventative fungicide before symptoms appear. Once you see the damage, it's already too late. Prevention is the only cure.

We also perform a deep root feeding using a specialized injector that pushes liquid fertilizer 6 to 8 inches into the soil. This bypasses surface roots and grass competition, delivering nutrients straight to the root zone where they get absorbed.

Why this works: Deep root feeding puts the nutrients exactly where the tree can use them. And preventative fungicide is always cheaper and more effective than trying to cure an active infection.

Step 4: Late Fall – Dormant Pruning & Winter Protection

After the leaves drop and the plant goes dormant, we prune out dead, diseased, or crossing branches. This improves structure, increases airflow, and reduces the risk of storm damage. Dormant pruning also stimulates vigorous new growth in the spring.

We then apply dormant spray (copper-based or sulfur-based) to knock back overwintering disease spores. For broadleaf evergreens and sensitive ornamentals, we apply an anti-desiccant to prevent winter burn from drying winds.

Why this works: Pruning while the plant is dormant minimizes stress and reduces the risk of disease transmission. And a little winter protection goes a long way in preventing expensive replacements come spring.

 

Optional Tree & Shrub Services

(For Clients Who Want Maximum Results)

• Spring & Fall Soil Testing: We test pH and nutrient levels specifically for woody ornamentals. Trees and shrubs have different needs than turfgrass.
• Summer Spider Mite Control: Mites thrive in hot, dry weather. We apply miticide or horticultural oil before populations explode.
• Fall Root Zone Aeration: Relieves soil compaction around the root flare. Trees need to breathe too.
• Fall & Spring Mulching: We apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic hardwood mulch. Not volcano mulching – proper ring mulching that protects the trunk and retains moisture. Removal of excessive mulch build up around trees, plants, and home.
• Summer & Fall Caterpillar Control: Targeted Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) applications for tent caterpillars, webworms, and gypsy moths. Safe for pollinators when applied correctly.
• Winter Anti-Desiccant Spray: Protects broadleaf evergreens like rhododendrons, hollies, and boxwoods from drying winter winds.