How to Care for Your Ornamental Trees & Shrubs

Your ornamental trees and shrubs look great and take your landscaping to the next level. East Coast Lawn provides ornamental tree and shrub care services. To keep them looking great after we leave, here are some tips to keep them healthy and happy all year round.

Inspect for Damage

In late winter or early spring, take a tour around your property and inspect all your plants—not just your ornamentals—for any signs of damage.

Look for physical damage to the bark, roots, or limbs, as well as signs of any mold formations or fungal infections. If you have evergreens, check to see if the foliage is still green and healthy-looking (this is good) or if it’s brown and burnt-looking (this is bad).

If you find damage, try to determine whether it’s the result of an environmental factor or from a pest. You may need to bring in a professional to evaluate the problem and suggest solutions.

Prune As Needed

Every plant has a different pruning schedule, so research to figure out when the best and worst times of year are for each of your plants. If necessary, keep a spreadsheet so you don’t accidentally prune at the wrong time of year and cause damage to your plants.

Again, if you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, you may want to call a professional.

Add Mulch

In the wild, trees will self-mulch as they drop leaves, stems, and fruit that breaks down at the base of the tree. But in our yards, we pick up those natural mulching items before they can break down.

To preserve soil moisture around the root zone and add nutrients to the soil, add a layer of mulch to the base of the tree. There are a variety of choices on the market, so take into consideration color, texture, particle size, and expected longevity before making a selection.

Fertilize

Most ornamentals should be fertilized in the fall, but check the recommendations for each of your plants for more instructions.

Fertilizing the root system with a slow-release material ensures your plants’ good health, growth, and color throughout the growing season.

Water If Needed

For the most part, you won’t need to water ornamentals during normal or rainy weather times. But, if your area experiences a dry spell, you should water your plants to ensure the health of their root system.

Ornamental Tree & Shrub Care in MD & VA

At East Coast Lawn, we know that it can be difficult to figure out how to care for your ornamental trees and shrubs. That’s why we offer expert care plans to keep them healthy all year long and you don’t even have to lift a finger. Call today for a quote!