Tree Care

 

Most unhealthy trees can be solved with mulch, fertilizer and water. Even when pesticides are used they should be used in conjunction with proper mulching, fertilizer and watering.

Mulch insulates the roots near the surface helping to provide a buffer from heat and cold temperatures. Most roots responsible for nutrient and water uptake are less than 6” deep. Mulch helps the soil retain water to keep the roots moist. By mulching we eliminate grass and weeds that compete with trees for water and nutrients. Mulching adds nutrients to the soil as the mulch breaks down into compost. Mulching prevents soil compaction which increases aeration and mulching prevents lawn mower damage to surface roots. Mulch should be installed 2-4” deep around the tree but should not contact the actual trunk of the tree. See our products page for discount pricing on mulch products.

A balanced fertilizer blend such as 10-10-10 is good choice for trees with poor leaf color during the growing season. For example yellow leaves are common and normal in early fall but yellow leaves or failure to put out complete foliage in the summer months can indicate a nutrient deficiency. We use a premium slow release UF blend. A combination of a 10-10-10 fertilizer treatment along with mulching and a good soaking will fix most problems. For more in depth analysis soil samples can be taken for a small analysis fee ($100 first sample, $40 each additional sample) to propose a treatment plan. When trees are mulched they can be fertilized with broadcast surface treatment. When trees have grass over the root system a more costly deep root fertilization is required.

In times of drought we recommend laying out a soaker hose in the drip line of the tree and allowing the soaker hose to run for 8-12 hours to simulate a long deep rain. Do not put a soaker hose near the base of the tree on mature established trees. It is best out near the drip line of the tree. In established mature trees the roots near the base are stabilizer roots to support the tree not to feed the tree.

As listed above Mulch, Fertilizer and Water will usually keep trees healthy and healthy trees are more resistant to pests. In the instance where pest infestation has already begun it may be necessary to use Pesticides. See pricing at bottom of page. Pesticides can be injected directly into the bark to control pests like Adelgids, Borers, Aphids, Japanese Beetles, Pine Bark Beetles, Psyllids and more. Our direct injection pesticide treatments protect for two years and are a better alternative to spraying where overspray contaminates ground water. Our targeted injections go directly into the cambium of the tree.

Sometimes you love the tree but hate the trees by-product. For sweet gum trees it’s those prickly balls, for wild cherry, ginko, and mulberry it’s messy fruit. Our direct injection treatments can stop fruit/seed production to eliminate the messy by-product without removing the tree. See pricing at bottom of page.

Many times tree decline is from lack of nutrients. Simple fertilizers contain nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Tree decline is often however a deficiency of iron. Our direct injection treatments can give your trees instant access to the nutrients they need.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Injections are required every 3-4” around the base of a tree there is approximately one injection per inch in diameter of the tree at the base. Injections are $7 per injection. For example a tree that is 18” diameter at base would require about 18 injections so total to treat that tree would be $126

 

Chipper LLC uses and recommends Arbor Systems brand direct injection products www.arborsystems.com