As a property owner, you never want to see your trees contract illnesses or die. However, here in Macomb, MI, several tree-borne diseases are common. And unfortunately, adopting a wait-and-see approach often puts your trees at increased risk. This is one of the reasons many property owners in the area have begun seeking proactive measures to ensure their trees remain healthy.

Fortunately, there is a strategy that's already proven effective at keeping these tree-borne illnesses at bay. It involves using deep root and granular fertilizer in conjunction with selective pruning.

You can use fertilization to protect your trees from disease.

Landscaping technician spreading fertilizer around a tree in Troy, MI.

While winter temperatures in the region average in the high 20s, it's not uncommon for temperatures to fall below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Since tree-borne illnesses often attack weakened trees, fertilization is a crucial component of preventing disease in your trees. However, this process isn't just a matter of spreading fertilizer throughout the soil. It generally requires that a tree professional assess the health of your trees to determine which method, deep root or granular fertilization, best suits the situation and when to use them if both could help.

Deep root fertilization - When tree professionals notice the soil isn't providing the nutrients your trees need to thrive, they often recommend deep root fertilization to protect your trees from disease. Deep root fertilization involves digging deep holes near your tree's roots or root zone and injecting fertilizer directly into those holes. Doing so delivers nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to your trees' roots.

Granular tree fertilization - If there are no immediate signs of tree damage, your tree pro may suggest using a granular fertilizer to keep your trees healthy. This powder or pellet form of fertilizer is usually slow-release, which means it will protect your trees for a longer period of time. They generally spread the fertilizer directly onto the surface of the soil near your tree's roots.

Having your tree fertilized by a professional means if there are diseased branches, the specialist can spot and address them in real time.

What is pruning and how can it stop diseases from spreading throughout your trees?

Pruning tree with green clippers to promote tree health near Rochester Hills, MI.

When tree branches become sick or damaged, they sometimes die. When disease strikes one of your tree branches, your tree can rarely fend off the illness on its own. If left alone, the condition will likely spread from the diseased branch to other parts of the tree. The best way to prevent the disease from spreading is to remove or prune the affected branches.

Pruning redirects your tree's energy and nutrients to healthier parts of the tree. In doing so, the healthy branches experience balanced growth, and your tree doesn't waste energy on branches that may already be beyond repair. Pruning damaged branches also grants the lower limbs better access to sunlight and airflow, further reinforcing each tree's overall health.

Signs your trees may be ill or not receiving enough nutrients include more pests on your trees than usual or yellow leaves when they should be green.

Don't let your trees fall victim to disease. Call us today to protect them with our fertilization and pruning services

At Big Lakes Lawncare, we aim to make the lives of our residential, commercial, and HOA property owners easier through our lawn care and maintenance services. This includes our comprehensive tree health program, where one of our friendly and highly trained tree pros will fertilize and prune your trees to help protect them from diseases.

We service properties in Macomb, Shelby, Chesterfield, and surrounding areas in Michigan. If you're concerned about protecting your trees from disease or damage, our knowledgeable team can help. Contact us today at (586) 200-0855 for a fertilization and pruning quote.