Having healthy and beautiful trees has always been part of perfect landscaping. Especially around your home, nothing helps to provide a little privacy and shade like a few perfectly placed trees.
However, caring for trees can be somewhat confusing for homeowners and even some professionals. There can be a lot of factors to consider when determining tree health and there are so many products available that it can be hard to decide which one is best for your tree and your situation.
In this article, we’ll list the top tree health products that you can consider to see if they may be the right way to bring your trees back to health and put them on the path to longevity.
1. TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer
Price $13.95
The foundation of tree health usually starts with fertilization. The right fertilizer can go a long way toward helping your tree stay healthy and avoid many problems that can pop up over the years.
TreeHelp premium fertilizer is a great product that works for a variety of trees and it’s also reasonably priced, which we like.
This fertilizer is best suited for younger trees. So any recently planted trees or trees that are still potted will benefit the most from this blend.
TreeHelp offers different blends for different trees, so make sure to get the right mixture for your situation.
2. Nutriject Supreme Microinjection
Price: $5 each
This 12ml microinjection fertilizer is great for all types of trees. They contain a balance of macro and micro-nutrients to give your tree a boost when the soil may be less than ideal.
If you’re new to injections, make sure to educate yourself on the proper technique for applying these. It’s not difficult, but you do need to drill into the tree.
Below is a list of the ingredients, which is a standard profile and will be safe for your tree in most situations.
- Nitrogen (N) 2.20%
- Phosphate 4.5%
- Soluble Potash 1.40%
- Iron (Fe) 0.17%
- Manganese (Mn) 0.18%
- Zinc (Zn) 0.16%
3. Mauget Imicide Insecticide
Price: $165
This professional-grade product has been used by the USDA and other government agencies around the country to help fight beetles and other infestations on public land. It can start fighting an infestation in as little as 24 hours but reaches its full effect in about 7 days.
This product can also be used as a preventive if you are expecting insect issues due to infestation in your area. Mauget Imicide also has lasting protection that continues into the next season after application.
Mauget Imicide works on the following insects and more:
- Adelgids
- Aphids
- Elm leaf beetle
- Japanese beetle
- Lacebugs
- Leafhoppers
- Leafminers
- Mealybugs
- Pine tip moth larvae
- Scale insects
- Thrips and Whiteflies
4. Bonide Fruit Tree Spray
Price: $43
If you have fruit trees such as apple, peach, or cherry and are looking for some organic options, then Bonide has you covered with their fruit tree spray. This product comes concentrated and ready to spray either on the plants and trees directly or on the soil as needed.
Bonide Fruit Tree Spray works against the following insects, plus others:
- Aphids
- Beetles
- Gnats
- Caterpillars
- Leafminers
- Maggots
- Mealybugs
- Worms
- Borers
- Thrips
- Spider mites
5. Tree Secret Tree Fertilizer
Price: $35
You may have heard of this product under a different name when it was sold as Save-A-Tree. It’s the same product, now just with a new name.
This product is advertised as non-synthetic and the goal was to create a more natural nitrogen content that allows the tree to be healthy and not grow overly-fast, which can lead to weakness and other health problems.
This fertilizer can also be used on nearby bushes and other greenery around your property, giving it more utility than specialty products.
6. UltraBio Natural Probiotics
This product targets the soil and rhizosphere to build a natural soil that helps trees and plants build their own natural defenses to diseases and insects.
In total, it contains beneficial bacteria, amino acids, and peptides to return soil to a much more balanced state. The product will also not cause burning or other issues that fertilizers can bring.
Overall, a good product to restore your solid and help your trees build their own defenses.
7. Tree Tech Fungicide microinjection
Price: $30
Fungus can be a real problem for trees and sprays are often the first cure people choose. But these spread the fungicide everywhere and people sometimes want a more targeted approach that doesn’t impact the surrounding area.
The Tree Tech fungicide microinjection is becoming more popular for common fungus problems as it doesn’t disturb the surrounding areas.
This product works on the following conditions:
- Dollar Spot
- Brown Patch
- Powdery Mildew
- Rust
- Pink patch
- Red Thread
- Stripe Smut
- Gray Leafspot
- Melting Out
- Leaf Spot
- Summer Patch
- Poa Patch
- Take-All Patch
- Spring Dead Spot
- Necrotic Ring Spot
- Pink Snow Mold
- Fusarium Patch
- Zoysia Patch
8. Treekote Tree Wound Dressing
Something we forget about when caring for trees is that we need to treat injured areas, whether natural or from pruning or other services.
Proper dressing helps reduce dieback and also protects the injured area from insects, fungus and other issues.
Treekote Wound Dressing comes in either an easy spray, paint-on, or paste depending on which you prefer.
This is a great product to have around just in case your tree is injured due to a storm or other incident.
9. BioAdvanced 12 Month Tree and Shrub Protect and Feed
Price: $40
This all-in-one product for both fertilizer and insect control can be great for those who want a more general preventive treatment that is easy and works all year long.
This BioAdvanced product isn’t meant to treat specific conditions, but instead focuses on common insect issues like Scale, Japanese beetles, Whiteflies, and more.
Beyond just controlling insects, it also has a slow-releasing nitrogen fertilizer formula. It also comes in a handy bottle ready for spraying which makes this easy-to-use product even easier to apply.
If you’re looking for something simple and only want to treat once a year, this is a great match.
10. Roots PHC for Trees SRN
Price $45
This low-nitrogen chemical-based fertilizer is great for short-term fertilizer needs. It also contains essential mineral content to help maintain overall tree health.
This product also contains probiotic ingredients and microbes to fully support the solid on top of just being a fertilizer.
Roots fertilizer comes as a powder, so the application can take a little more effort than a simple spray. However, the fertilizer has a special surfactant coating which allows for deep penetration into the soil quickly after application.
If you need a short-term seasonal fertilizer and one that comes in powder for more precise application, this Roots product is one to check out.
More Tips For Tree Health
When using any tree health product, it’s important to follow the instructions very carefully to avoid overusing the product. This can be especially true for certain fertilizers and growth stimulation products.
Signs that your tree may need fertilizer can usually be easy to spot. For example, things like shorter-than-normal twig growth can be a sign that fertilizer is needed.
Other signs such as reduced leaf size, smaller canopy, and dead branches or tips all can mean it’s time to fertilize.
Next, you want to monitor trees regularly to look for any early signs of fungus, insects, or damage. Look up the type of trees you have to learn what they are susceptible to. This will help you know exactly what to look for when inspecting your trees during the season.
Many tree health issues are much easier to treat the sooner they are detected, and most can be treated by the homeowner. So regular inspections can save the tree and save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
This goes for damage as well. Damage can occur from storms, tall trucks driving through your street, or damage from other landscaping activities. When there is damage, determine if the wound needs to be protected. A small tree injury can turn into a fungus or insect problem rather quickly.
When it comes to damage, don’t forget about the trunk, which can often be damaged by wire trimmers and bumps from lawnmowers or edgers. This damage can add up and can weaken the tree. Try to protect the trunk of your trees during your routine landscaping and yard care.
Finally, depending on the situation, you may need to call a professional arborist to deal with certain serious tree conditions. This is especially true for older trees or larger trees on your property. A professional in your area will have experience with the local trees and the conditions they face.
A professional may also be able to offer you tips on how to care for the tree moving forward that you may not have known about.
Overall, following these tips and investing a little time and money in the right products should help keep your trees safe and healthy for years to come.