Plant health care (PHC) is a term coined by the International Society of Arboriculture. It defines landscaping management and tree care. PHC is a holistic care approach aiming to grow healthy plants and minimize pest damage. Plants only thrive as well as their environment allows, and many exterior forces impact their health, including environmental stressors, a lack of nutrients, disease, and pests. The trees, shrubs, and plants included in your landscaping and garden represent a significant investment. Keeping plants and trees healthy protects your investment and saves time and money.

How PHC Works 

Professionals like Ahlum & Arbor Tree Preservation offer custom PHC services since no two gardens or landscape designs are identical. The first thing a professional does is evaluate your property to determine whether there are any problems. They create a care program personalized for your trees, shrubs, and plants. 

Technicians offer management services and can advise which trees are best suited for your area. They prune young trees to create the best structure and maintain them while they mature. According to the trade publication TCI Magazine, expert plant health care practice includes identifying diseases, rodents, insect pests, and unhealthy growing environments.

If you have a tree on your property, an arborist will inspect the soil and tree and then recommend steps that can include: 

  • Expanding the tree’s mulch ring 
  • Correcting compacted soil 
  • Watering and managing the tree’s nutrients 
  • Searching for signs of pest damage or disease and treating any that are found 

Plants Will Be Healthier

Professionals who provide plant health care ensure that trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants get the nutrients they need to thrive. As a result, plants have greener leaves, more blooms, and sometimes even longer bloom times. 

It’s easy to forget that the growing things around your home are not self-sustaining. The correct amounts of expertly applied fertilizer give plants the help they need to look their best. 

Reduce Pest and Disease Damage 

Per Colorado State University, one principle of PHC is that healthy plants are less susceptible to pests. Some diseases and insects only attack plants that are stressed. Preventative care helps minimize stress. 

Healthier plants tolerate pests better. For instance, there are shade trees that do not need aphid management.

Avoid Dealing with Dying Plants 

If trees and plants are neglected, they decline and eventually die. Aside from the fact that dead plants negatively impact your home’s curb appeal, replacing them takes time and effort. 

Even if professionals can replant, you will spend time caring for new shrubs and trees. New plants need regular watering before they can become established on the property.  

Replacing Plants Is Expensive 

Replacing just one tree or plant can be expensive, and you may need to replace several if they’ve been affected by disease or pests. In addition to the cost of new plants, shrubs, or trees, you will pay to remove dying plants and install new ones. 

Preventative plant health care ensures your landscaping stays healthy and vibrant. The cost of professional care is often a bargain compared to replacing plants. For instance, replacing an Azalea can cost $300 or more, assuming you can find a new plant that’s the same size as the one you lost. 

Plant health care is a holistic approach to keeping plants healthy and looking their best. The service can help you avoid the time and cost of replacing dead or dying plants, trees, and shrubs. Professionals who provide the service offer preventative care that prevents diseases and insect damage.