Plant health care takes a holistic approach to maintaining the vitality of your landscape plants. It involves multiple components, including pruning, tree spraying, fertilizing, mulching, and watering, all essential for keeping trees and shrubs healthy.

Most tree and shrub pruning can be done throughout the growing season, but there are exceptions. Certified Arborists at Owen Tree Service can advise on the best times to prune, ensuring optimal plant health care.  

Certain trees, such as Oak, native Elm, and Birch, should be pruned during the dormant season to prevent pest and disease issues. Oaks are prone to Oak Wilt, Elms can be affected by Dutch Elm Disease, and Birches are vulnerable to Bronze Birch Borers. If storm damage occurs during the growing season, immediate pruning may be necessary, but dormant-season pruning is generally preferred for proper plant health. 

Flowering shrubs should also be pruned at the correct time. Spring-flowering shrubs should be pruned in late spring or early summer, while those that bloom later in the season should be pruned in the fall. 

The need for tree and shrub spraying depends on the specific plants in your landscape. For instance, Forsythia typically requires little maintenance, while a Burning Bush may need regular spraying to prevent spider mite infestations. 

Investing in proper spraying services helps protect your landscape plants from pests and diseases, ensuring they remain healthy. Numerous studies confirm that maintaining trees and shrubs is more cost-effective than dealing with the damage caused by neglect. 

Fertilization ensures that your plants receive the nutrients they need, especially during periods of active root growth in spring and fall. This vital service is often overlooked but plays a crucial role in plant health care. 

Owen Tree Service offers deep root fertilization, root stimulant treatments for newly planted trees, and mycorrhizae treatments to boost the health and vitality of trees and shrubs. 

In nature, trees and shrubs rely on decaying organic matter for nutrients, moisture retention, and temperature regulation. In manicured landscapes, turfgrass replaces this natural layer, competing with trees and shrubs for resources. 

Mulching shrub beds and creating mulch rings around trees help recreate a natural environment, reducing stress on plants. While often overlooked, mulching is a critical component of plant health care. 

Watering trees and shrubs is usually unnecessary in Michigan during spring and fall, and sometimes even in summer if rainfall is sufficient. However, if there has been no rain for 3-4 weeks, watering becomes essential. Using a soaker hose is the best method, as it allows water to penetrate deeply into the soil. 

Supplemental watering is particularly important for newly planted trees and shrubs to ensure they establish properly. 

The amount of maintenance your plants require depends on factors such as species, soil type, soil pH, and the location of the plants in terms of sun and shade. Effective plant health care takes all these factors into account to ensure your landscape thrives. 

By addressing these key areas—pruning, spraying, fertilizing, mulching, and watering—you can keep your trees and shrubs healthy and vibrant. Let Owen Tree Service guide you in providing the best care for your landscape.