In many communities there are companies that offer tree and shrub care
programs. These programs are the health care plans of the plant world. They
are designed to help you monitor and care for your plants, as well as treat
problems that come up. It is even possible for you to design your own tree
and shrub care program that can aid you as you take care of the plants yourself,
with minimal help from the care specialist. But one thing is certain: in
order to keep your landscape looking healthy and attractive, you do need
to take an active interest in some sort of care regimen for your trees and
shrubs.
There are many benefits associated with having a care program for trees
and shrubs. Benefits include catching infestations early and identifying
diseases while they are treatable and before they do too much damage.
A caterpillar infestation can cause defoliation, and if you move quickly
to avoid this, your trees will look much better for longer. Additionally,
if plants have good care, they are more resistant to disease and will
flourish, giving your landscape a more attractive look. A proper program
of care can prevent these problems and save you money on down the road.
The old saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is
certainly true, especially as it relates to plants.
Other problems that a tree and shrub care program can help with are
less detrimental to the health of the plants and more practical in nature.
Proper monitoring can unsure that weak branches are removed before they
fall on and damage your house. Additionally, proper care and pruning
of branches ensures abundant flowering and a thicker, fuller look in
evergreens. While better flowering and fuller plants may not directly
affect the health of the plant or your wallet, they do add substantially
to the attractiveness of a landscape and can contribute to the better
enjoyment of your home.
Most tree and shrub care programs are developed and administered by
specialized companies that provide care. They can also be arranged through
an arborist or a master gardener. These programs do cost money, however.
There are comprehensive programs that cover all costs related to monitoring
your landscape plants and treating any problems or providing specific
care. There are also programs that provide monitoring services and then
charge treatments separately. The idea is to use a program that fits
into your budget, and then reap the benefits of a landscape that is well
cared for.
Another approach to the tree and shrub care program is developing and
following one yourself. It may cost a little money up front, as you will
have to consult with a master gardener or an arborist, but in the long
run it is worth it if you take good care of your trees. In some localities,
an extension office may have a horticulturist on hand to answer your
questions at no charge. The key is to figure out a care program that
you can carry out yourself, or that you can carry out mostly on your
own, with back up help from professionals when needed.
Developing your own plan can be very rewarding. It helps you get closer
to your landscape, and it can also help you spot problems quickly. You
should have a regular schedule for inspection of trees and shrubs, as
well as other plants, and a regular schedule of care and maintenance.
To learn how to properly prune trees and shrubs, keep an eye out for
community classes. You can even pay for a session with a professional.
Paying for a two or three hour lesson in pruning can save you hundreds
of dollars in having to pay a yard service to do the work. Make sure
you know the best times to prune, and do your pruning on a schedule as
well as the rest of the landscape maintenance.
No matter whether you pay for a professional tree and shrub care program,
or whether you carry out such a regimen yourself, it is important to
have a plan for the proper care of the plants on your landscape. This
way you will find that you have a more attractive landscape and save
money in trying to fix large problems that arise through neglect.
