Can pruning be done in the winter?

Most work on most ornamentals can be done anytime. The big exception: any spring blooming ornamental should be pruned within two weeks after the ornamental has bloomed. As a rule winter is an excellent time to prune. The ground is hard and the ornamental is dormant. Attention must be paid to timing if the ornamental is diseased. Summer bloomers (i.e. Crape Myrtle) produce blooms from this year’s growth and should be pruned in the winter or very early spring.

Do trees stress?

Short answer: definitely yes! After extended drought or a re-occurring drought pattern from year to year trees do become stressed. When a woody ornamental is stressed, the ornamental will emit an odor that attracts wood borers. Wood borers can harm to the system that move water and nutrients in the ornamental or tree. This has the end effect of increasing the amount of stress. Increased stress causes the tree or ornamental to emit even more odors and then attracting more insects.

What is plant health care?(PHC)

PHC is holistic approach to plant care. The technician will be tasked with the responsibility of a complete inspection. The technician will identify insects, disease, and stressors on or around the ornamental or tree. Disease identification is a key element in plant health care planning. Some diseases kill very quickly. A good PHC plan is very important.

Should I mulch my trees and shrubs?

Yes, for the most part the benefits of mulching outweigh the problems. The single most serious problem we encounter is over mulching! When s tree or shrub has a large mound of mulch, often times a foot or more the tree is in severe danger. The mulch, if applied correctly, will help retain moisture and reduce the stress on the tree. Mulch will help reduce soil compaction (also will keep mowers away from the roots). Microorganism growth will also be encouraged by a protective coating of mulch. However, never, never over mulch around the base of an ornamental or tree!

What is winter injury?

Almost always winter injury is a moisture issue. Moisture is not able to get to the tree through the root system due to soil compaction and frozen ground. Winter injury is easy to spot: the tips of the branches turn brown , other small branches turn brittle and needles turn brown. The winter injury problem is made much worse when we experience high winds and very cold temperatures. The best defense: water the ornamentals in the fall heavily and apply a wax coat for protection (anti- desiccant).

How should I water?

Clearly the needs of the various varieties of ornamentals and trees require differing quantities of water. As a general rule however, it is a good practice to water one inch of water per week (this includes rainfall). Do not water daily unless the plant has been recently planted. Frequent shallow watering will cause far too many problems for your plantings. It is best to water in the morning or very late in the afternoon (remember to allow adequate time for water to evaporate off of the leaves). A little knowledge of where transpiration occurs (water intake) also helps. The roots that bring in water are at the drip line (outer edges of the leave cover). Most of the roots that take in water are in the upper 12"-18". In a heavy clay soil one inch of water will penetrate 6" into the soil. There are a variety of methods available for watering but sprinkler systems are generally not too efficient.

Do I need a soil test?

In the state of Maryland soil tests are a requirement for commercial applicators before the application of fertilizer. Soil tests are very helpful in plant care and will contribute immensely to the Plant Health Care plan. An improper pH or nutrient deficiencies will make the development of a healthy ornamental very difficult.

What happens if it rains after my trees and shrubs have been treated?

Our products, if liquid, contain an additive that will make the product adhere to the plant after it dries. Dry time is generally only 30 minutes. Rain will not wash the product off of the leaves after 30 minutes. If it rains within the 30 minute window please call the office to schedule another appointment. Do not call if more time has elapsed as a double application will cause harm to the ornamental or tree.

How safe are the products you use?

With the exception of products applied directly into the tree our products are diluted to the appropriate levels and are not a danger and are below toxicity thresholds. You have household cleaners that are more toxic than our tree and shrub products. Remember too, that all of technicians are state licensed to apply the products.

Do I have to be home when you do the work?

Very seldom do you need to home. The technician will leave a complete report of the products applied and the work done. It is our goal to serve you and solve the problems at a minimum inconvenience to you. If you do wish to be home we will try our best to accommodate you.