Most people shy away from doing the basics to keep their trees and shrubs healthy. You will often hear excuses like, “I don’t have any luck with plants or I don’t have a green thumb to maintain a potted plant let alone a whole tree or garden shrub”. Well, let’s debunk that myth today with this simple and fun basic tree and shrub care guide.
Basic tree or shrub care involves simple everyday tasks like watering, checking for pests and diseases as well as long-term care like seasonal pruning, trimming, root collar excavation, adding fertilizer, getting rid of pests and weeds, etc. You can have a landscaping expert or arborist do the technical tasks while you handle the simpler everyday tasks as you learn.
Watering
Frequency: 1 – 2 times per week
Your shrubs or trees’ water needs will depend on the tree type and your local climate. Water more in summer and less in winter. Generally trees over 40 ft. will have tapped an underground water source, so probably no need to water. Only if they are showing signs of dehydration1. Water them at least once every week in summer and every other week in winter if you do not know their water needs.
Mulching and Fertilizers
Frequency: Yearly
Shrubs and trees need nutrients that may not be present in the soil. Use organic mulch for young shrubs or trees and fertilizer for mature or medium-aged ones to keep them green and nourished. Be sure to use the correct fertilizer for the species you are taking care of.
Seasonal Pruning vs scheduled Trimming
Frequency: Every 2 – 4 years
Seasonal pruning involves removing dead and dried-out branches and limbs. On the other hand, scheduled trimming involves cutting off healthy branches from trees or shrubs to shape the crown or reduce its density. These activities are best given to trained tree experts for the best results.
Other typical tree & shrub care tasks
Dead Wood Removal
Frequency: Every 3 – 4 years
Deadwood removal is an activity whose main aims are to improve the overall health of a tree or shrub, improve its appearance and make it safer. It involves cutting off dead, dry, or decaying branches and limbs. You can remove dead wood on small shrubs and young trees and have a professional take care of taller mature trees.
Pruning for Structural Integrity
Frequency: As needed
Pruning is closely related to deadwood removal but is done on a seasonal basis and is more complex. It involves selectively removing some branches, limbs, and leaves to improve the structural integrity of a tree or shrub.
Treating Pests and Disease
Frequency: As needed
Pests and diseases can wreak havoc on a well-maintained garden. Keep an eye out for signs of diseases or pests affecting your shrubs and treat them promptly. Find a trained “tree doctor” or arborist to test for diseases and pests and treat your garden plants before it is too late.
Root Pruning
Frequency: As needed
Root pruning is a delicate tree care activity only done when a tree is to be transplanted or if there is a need to give room for nearby construction. It involves cutting off some roots to minimize damage to the tree when it is transplanted or from nearby construction. Root pruning should be left to trained experts.
Shrub Removal
Frequency: As needed
There will be times when you have a shrub that dies, and there is nothing more you can do. In this case, you will need to remove the shrub using a local service or doing it yourself.
Tree and Shrub Care Cost
If you want to hire a professional arbor tree care company, Below is a price list of tasks you might need to perform on a bi-annual basis.
| Task | Price range |
|---|---|
| Remedial or structural prune | $438 - $1,200 |
| Dead wood removal | $250 - $650 |
| Tree risk assessment | $100 - $150 |
| Root pruning | $250 - $450 |
| Pest control and treatment | $150 - $550 |
| Fertilization | $80 - $150 |