The Davey Guide to Plant Health Care

Winter Checklist

• Remove critical risk trees

  Are your trees moving from assets to liabilities?

  

  Watch this video featuring ISA Board Certified Master Arborist RJ Laverne to learn how to conduct a tree risk assessment.

• Fertilize trees and shrubs (as part of your normal annual program)

  Applying a slow-release fertilizer is one of the most important things you can do for your trees and shrubs, replacing nutrients and improving resistance to damage from diseases, insects and stressful weather.

  

  Watch this video featuring ISA Board Certified Master Arborist RJ Laverne to learn more.

• Inspect trees and shrubs for ice and snow damage

• Cable, brace or remove weak limbs to prepare for severe weather

  Give your tree the support it needs by reducing strain and stress damage from high winds and excess ice or snow weight through cabling and bracing.

  

  ISA Board Certified Master Arborist Steve Nagy provides video advice.

• Prune for shape, structure and health in addition to removing dead, diseased or unsafe branches

  Pruning is a cornerstone of any successful tree care program.

  

  ISA Board Certified Master Arborist Steve Nagy discusses the benefits of dormant season pruning in this video.

• Prune elms and oaks per your arborist's recommendation (where Dutch elm disease and oak wilt is a concern)

  Pruning is a cornerstone of any successful tree care program.

  

  Contact your local Davey office to learn more about pruning recommendations for your area.

• Inspect trees and shrubs for insects and diseases, and treat appropriately

  Whether you are on the lookout for the emerald ash borer, scale, mites, lace bugs, or beetles (the japanese or viburnum leaf variety for example), insect and disease management is a great example of plant health care in action.

  

  Watch these helpful videos on a number of common insect and disease issues.

  

  Questions about the Emerald Ash Borer? Take a look at our EAB Resources.

  

  Need help with insects or other pests? Check out Bug Me Not.

  

  Check out the Davey Blog for more information on Viburnum Leaf Beetle.