Your trees, shrubs, flower beds, and landscape plants face threats year-round. From snowstorms to beetle invasions, plants often need help surviving, thriving, and looking their best. In this post, an expert tree service in Centennial, CO, answers the question, “What is plant health care, and why does it matter?”
What Is Plant Health Care?
Plant health care maintains and promotes the beauty, vitality, and longevity of your property’s flora. It is an integrated approach that involves plant nutrition, environmental factors, disease prevention, and pest management. Plant health care also typically involves proper pruning to maintain shape and health, water management to prevent over- or under-watering, and soil health testing to ensure your plants get the right nutrients.
What Are Common Threats to Healthy Plants?
The threats to healthy plants are numerous and include the following:
- The elements: The Denver area is no stranger to extreme weather. Hail, flooding, drought, winter blizzards, and burning summer sun all pose hazards to plant life.
- Pests: Aphids, spider mites, and numerous beetle species are just some of the pests that wreak havoc on Colorado plants.
- Disease: Plants are also vulnerable to bacteria, viruses, and fungi such as apple scab, anthracnose, and powdery mildew.
When Do I Need Plant Health Care?
If you have plants on your property, you need plant health care. While plant care can be corrective, it is best when used preventatively. That said, there are times when professional plant health care is more pressing. Call a professional if you notice any signs of:
- Nutritional deficiencies: If you notice misshapen plants, stunted growth, or unusually colored leaves — such as purple underneath or yellowing between the veins — your plants may need soil testing and/or fertilization.
- Pest infestations: Pest infestations are often easy to spot. While you sometimes see the pests themselves, you’ll frequently see evidence they’ve been there. Examples include holes and chew marks, white spots, and black sooty mold. You may also notice increased activity from ants, wasps, and flies, which feed on the smaller insects.
- Plant diseases: A range of unusual symptoms signals infection by a pathogen, including curled leaves, leaf spots, oozing bark, or tumor-like growths. It is essential to address plant disease immediately to prevent the infection from spreading to the rest of your yard.
What Are the Benefits of Plant Health Care?
The many advantages of regular plant health care include the following:
- Enhanced plant health and longevity
- Increased curb appeal and property value
- Environmental benefits, such as improved air quality
- Human health benefits, such as stress reduction
- Cost savings by preventing expensive corrective treatments or tree removal
- Risk management, including reducing the risk of trees falling
- Compliance with local rules and regulations
Call Today for Professional Plant Health Care Services
Now that we’ve answered the question, “What is plant health care?” the Bear Creek Tree Service team is standing by for all your plant care needs. Our specialists can evaluate your plants, diagnose any issues, and make a personalized plan to keep them looking their best. Contact us today for a free consultation.