Trees and shrubs are more than just landscaping. They’re an investment. They provide shade, improve air quality, enhance curb appeal, and even boost the value of your property. But without proper care, they can become weak, diseased, or overgrown, leading to costly problems down the road.
Knowing how to take care of your trees and shrubs is key to keeping healthy and growing beautifully year-round. The best tree and shrub care service in Pennsylvania comes from professional lawn care technicians who don’t rely on guesswork but truly understand your plants’ needs. This tree and shrub care guide is for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.
Seasonal Tree and Shrub Care
Trees and shrubs need attention throughout the year, but the type of care they require changes with the seasons.
Spring
Spring is the time to assess any winter damage and give trees and shrubs the nutrients they need for a strong growing season.
- Inspect for winter damage. Check for broken branches, frost cracks, or signs of disease. Remove any dead or damaged wood to encourage healthy new growth.
- Prune as needed. Early spring is the best time to prune most trees and shrubs before they start actively growing. However, if your shrubs bloom in spring, such as lilacs or azaleas, wait until after they flower to prune.
- Fertilize for stronger growth. Apply a slow-release fertilizer to replenish nutrients and support new leaves and root development.
- Apply fresh mulch. A two- to three-inch layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Be sure to keep it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
- Monitor for pests. As temperatures rise, insect activity increases. Look for early signs of aphids, scale, or other pests before they become a bigger problem.
Summer
During the summer, trees and shrubs are at greater risk of heat stress and pest infestations. Here, deep watering and careful monitoring becomes essential.
- Water deeply and infrequently. Instead of shallow watering every day, soak the soil once or twice a week to encourage deep root growth.
- Watch for pests and diseases. Warm, humid weather creates the perfect conditions for fungal diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spot. Catch issues early to prevent them from spreading.
- Avoid heavy pruning. Removing too many branches in summer can stress plants, making them vulnerable to pests and disease. Only prune if necessary to remove dead or hazardous branches.
- Protect against sun scorch. Newly planted trees or shrubs may need extra protection from intense sun. Shade cloths or anti-transpirant sprays are a great way to reduce heat stress.
Fall
In the fall, you want to prepare your trees and shrubs for the colder months ahead. This is the best time to focus on root health and disease prevention.
- Apply fall fertilizer. A high-phosphorus fertilizer promotes strong root growth before winter dormancy.
- Rake up fallen leaves. Decaying leaves can harbor fungal diseases and pests. Keeping the area clean reduces the risk of infections spreading.
- Water deeply before the first frost. A thorough watering helps trees and shrubs store moisture before the ground freezes, reducing winter stress.
- Wrap young or delicate trees. Use burlap or tree wrap to protect thin-barked trees from sunscald and frost cracks.
Winter
Winter isn’t an active growing season, but it’s still important to monitor and protect trees and shrubs from harsh weather conditions.
- Remove heavy snow from branches. Gently brush off snow accumulation to prevent breakage. Avoid shaking branches, as ice can cause them to snap.
- Inspect for winter damage. After storms, check for broken branches or frost cracks and remove any hazards. Consider dormant pruning for better growth in the growing season.
- Prevent salt damage. Road salt can be harmful to trees and shrubs, drying out roots and causing leaf burn. Keep salt away from plant roots, and if necessary, rinse plants with water to remove salt buildup.
Watering Best Practices for Trees and Shrubs
Watering trees and shrubs sounds simple. Just turn on the hose, give them a drink, and you’re done, right? Not exactly. The way you water can make or break their health. Too much water drowns the roots, too little leaves them stressed.
How Much Water Do Trees and Shrubs Really Need?
The answer depends on a few factors like age, soil type, weather, and the specific tree or shrub species. But here’s a good rule of thumb:
- Newly planted trees and shrubs need regular watering for the first year while they establish their root systems. Water deeply 2-3 times per week.
- Established trees and shrubs typically need water every 7-10 days, depending on rainfall and soil conditions. Deep soaking is more beneficial than frequent light watering.
- During hot, dry weather, increase watering frequency to prevent drought stress, but avoid overwatering.
Common Watering Mistake
The biggest mistake homeowners make is watering too often but too shallow. Shocking, right? Quick, daily watering only wets the surface, encouraging weak, shallow roots. Instead, water slowly and deeply so moisture reaches the deeper soil where roots need it.
Best Watering Practices
- Water slowly and deeply so moisture reaches the root zone, not just the surface.
- For trees, water should penetrate 12-18 inches deep into the soil.
- For shrubs, aim for at least 6-8 inches of deep moisture.
- Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for slow, even watering. Avoid sprinklers, which can lead to shallow root growth and increased evaporation.
Best Time of Day to Water
Morning is the best time to water trees and shrubs. It gives trees and shrubs a chance to soak up moisture before the heat of the day. Watering in the evening might seem convenient, but it can lead to soggy soil overnight, which is the perfect breeding ground for fungus and disease.
Mulching to Retain Moisture
A layer of mulch around the base of trees and shrubs helps retain soil moisture, reduces evaporation, and regulates soil temperature. Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch, such as wood chips or bark, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and pest issues.
Pruning: When and How to Do It Right
Bad pruning can stunt growth, invite pests, and leave your valuable plants vulnerable to the elements. Done right, it ensures beautiful growth all year.
When to Prune
- Late Winter to Early Spring – Best for most trees and shrubs while they’re still dormant. Promotes strong spring growth.
- After Flowering – For spring-blooming shrubs (lilacs, azaleas, forsythia), prune after flowers fade to avoid cutting off next year’s buds.
- Summer – Light pruning only. Remove dead or damaged branches but avoid cutting too much, as it can stress the plant.
- Fall – Avoid major pruning. It can trigger weak, late-season growth that won’t survive winter.
How to Prune Properly
- Use sharp, clean tools. Pruning shears for small branches, loppers for medium ones, and a saw for anything thicker.
- Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches first. This prevents pests and disease from spreading.
- Follow the one-third rule. Never remove more than one-third of a plant’s branches in one season.
- Make clean cuts. Trim just above a bud or branching point to encourage proper regrowth. For trees, cut just outside the branch collar.
How to Prevent Pests in Trees and Shrubs
A strong, healthy plant is the best defense against pests. While it’s impossible to eliminate every insect from your landscape, you can significantly reduce pest problems by creating an environment that supports plant health and natural pest control.
- Choose pest-resistant plants. Some tree and shrub varieties naturally repel pests or are less susceptible to infestations. Native species are usually more resilient to local insects.
- Encourage beneficial insects. Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps feed on aphids, scale, and other common pests. Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides that kill helpful predators along with the pests.
- Use physical barriers and traps. Tree wraps can protect against borers, while sticky traps help monitor pest activity before it gets out of hand.
- Apply horticultural oils or neem oil. Dormant-season horticultural oil suffocates overwintering pests, and neem oil is a natural way to repel insects without harming beneficial species.
- Rotate treatments. If you need to use pest control measures, switch up your approach each season to prevent insects from developing resistance.
Struggling to Keep Up with Tree & Shrub Care?
Pruning, watering, fertilizing, pest control… it’s a lot to manage. And if you get it wrong, your trees and shrubs can suffer from disease, weak growth, or even die off. Keystone Green Lawns takes the hassle off your plate with expert tree and shrub services.
Call us to book a lawn care consultation and get a FREE, NO-OBLIGATION quote today. We serve clients in and around Pittsburg, PA, including Fox Chapel, Cranberry Township, Wexford, Sewickley, Franklin Park, Indiana Township, and Allison Park.