A Complete Tree Care Plan Starts In March
In general, most soils in Michigan can provide an adequate nutrient reserve to meet the needs of most trees and shrubs. But it doesn’t hurt to put together a complete tree care plan each year to ensure that they’ll continue to thrive all year round.
So, what’s a complete tree care plan consist of? Let’s find out.
Tree and Shrub Fertilization
As a general rule, landscape trees and shrubs in Michigan typically don’t require extensive fertilization to maintain good growth and color. But if things are warming up, and your trees aren’t filling out and getting green, they may need a boost.
One way to know for sure is to get your soil tested to see if it’s lacking any nutrients. For homeowners, it may be the only way to tell. Fertilizing trees or shrubs (if they’re nutrient deficient) can improve their appearance and growth rate.
Deep Root Feeding
The springtime is the best time for deep root feeding for your trees and shrubs. That’s because in late March and early April your trees and shrubs are beginning to absorb nutrients from the soil. This will re-start the growing process after being dormant throughout the winter months.
Deep root feeding is a kind of fertilization process that feeds nutrients directly into the roots of a tree or shrub. Instead of simply fertilizing the soil, a large spike is used to inject nutrients directly into a plant’s root ball.
Signs your trees or shrubs may need a deep root feeding, include:
- It’s in compacted soil.
- Its branches are showing signs of stress.
- If it’s out of its natural habitat.
Any one of these reasons can prompt a root-feeding right away, but making a standard part of your shrub and tree care plan is recommended.
Tree Trimming and Pruning
Check with The Michigan State University Extension to find out the best times to prune or trim a tree or shrub. It lists late winter or early spring as the best time. In short, when your trees and shrubs are dormant. You should trim and prune before the new growth starts up for the year because it makes them less susceptible to disease-spreading insects and fungus.
Safari Tree Care Plan
Safari Tree uses a variety of techniques to fertilizer trees including liquid soil injection, drill-hole applications, and even direct trunk injection. We also apply several rounds of fungal spray throughout the summer, which kills any spores that land on your tree.
If you’re interested in finding out how Safari Tree can help you to keep your yard looking its best, contact us today.
