The 4 Rules of Utah Tree and Shrub Fertilization

Correct tree and shrub fertilization is necessary to ensure the health of your landscape and maximize the life of your plants. You’ve invested significantly in your landscape, and giving plants proper care and nutrients helps to protect that investment. This is also the best way to keep your plants looking great throughout the growing season. In northern Utah, effective fertilization depends on selecting the correct nutrients and application method, and adhering to a regular schedule. Follow these simple rules, and your trees and shrubs will look great and effectively resist diseases and pests. No. 1: Choose the Appropriate Nutrients for Fertilization Our native Utah soils are generally poor and provide few of the nutrients that trees and shrubs need to thrive and grow. Ch

The Argument for Planting Native Utah Trees

In northern Utah, trees are an essential component of our lives. They provide shade for our homes and parks, and a habitat for wildlife. They feed us with their bounty of fruits and nuts, and they filter pollution and turn carbon dioxide into life-giving oxygen. They cool our concrete jungle in the summer and shelter us from winter’s harshest winds. Many species of trees are native to our growing zone, yet we regularly choose to introduce non-native varieties into our landscapes. Many Utah arborists, environmentalists and forestry experts believe this is unwise, and that we should limit — or eliminate — non-native varieties. Why Do We Plant Non-Native Trees? For most of us, the reason has mostly to do with aesthetics. We like the way a particular type of tree flowers, or

What Is the Life Span of a Utah Fruit Tree?

A client called recently, concerned about her Utah fruit trees — one peach tree, in particular. This tree was near and dear to her heart, as her father had planted it before his passing, years earlier. She noticed one day that more than half the tree appeared to be dying. She was certain the problem was pests or a disease if some kind. When we went to take a look, however, it became obvious that the tree had simply reached the end of its natural life span. So what is the life span of a fruit tree in Utah? And can you do anything to make your fruit trees live longer? How Long Do Fruit Trees Live in Utah? The answer to this question depends on the variety of tree. It’s also important to remember that they will not produce fruit for their entire lives. Specific cultivars from

What Is Killing My Utah Trees?

Something is killing too many of our Utah trees, and this problem is extending throughout the Intermountain West. In fact, a number of pervasive diseases and pests are wreaking havoc with trees across our state. If your healthy trees start to take a turn for the worse, bark beetles or a disease may be to blame. More likely, however, is that your sick tree simply isn’t getting what it needs to grow and thrive. What Is Killing Your New Utah Tree? When new trees fail to establish, we tend to assume fault with the plant itself or with how it was cared for during the first weeks and months after planting. In some cases, the tree itself may have come from the nursery with a problem. If so, most reputable garden centers will refund your money or replace the plant. Overwatering an

It’s Time to Talk Shrub and Tree Fertilization

Now’s the time to schedule your Utah shrub and tree fertilization services. If you aren’t fertilizing your landscaping trees, fruit trees and shrubs regularly, you may be putting them at risk. Our northern Utah native soils have almost no natural nutrients, so unless you amend the soil with a mixture designed for your trees, the plants have no way to get what they need to grow and thrive. Reliable Tree Care offers professional arborist services throughout northern Utah, including tree and shrub fertilization programs. Why Do Utah Trees and Shrubs Need Fertilization? In the wild, trees grow strong and healthy without fertilizer, so why not in your yard? If you look closely at the ground cover in the wild, you will likely see something you don’t see in your own yard. You