Are Tree and Shrub Services Worth It? Here’s What to Know Before You Decide

Do your trees and shrubs really need professional care?

It’s easy to think that once planted, trees and shrubs can thrive on their own. But just like lawns, these woody plants benefit from routine attention, especially when that care comes from professionals. Professional tree care services typically include deep fertilization, insect and disease management, seasonal pruning, and more. 

With over 74 years of experience across Washington, Idaho, Utah, and Colorado, Senske understands that tree and shrub care isn’t one-size-fits-all. This guide explains what’s included in tree care services, how needs vary by region, and why professional care matters.

What Are Tree Care Services?

Professional care goes far beyond cutting back branches. When you hire a trained expert, you’re investing in solutions that promote the health and longevity of your entire landscape.

• Tree and Shrub Inspections: Routine evaluations catch issues like early signs of stress, disease, or insect activity before they escalate. 

• Deep-Root Fertilization: This injects nutrients directly into the root zone for efficient absorption, beneficial in compacted or nutrient-poor soils common in urban areas.

• Disease and Insect Control: Professionals identify and treat early signs of infestation or illness before they spread, such as scale, aphids, spider mites, and fungal pathogens.

• Dormant Oil Application: Applied in late winter, dormant oil smothers overwintering pests and their eggs before the growing season begins. 

• Seasonal Pruning and Shaping: Strategic trimming and pruning improve airflow, remove damaged limbs, and guide healthy growth. 

• Iron Injection or Nutrient Balancing for Chlorosis: Targeted nutrients help yellowing trees absorb iron in alkaline soils to restore healthy green foliage.

• Emergency Storm Response: Rapid cleanup and damage mitigation are essential for safely removing fallen limbs and assessing tree stability.

Are Tree and Shrub Services Worth It?

If you’ve ever faced the cost of removing a damaged tree or replacing a diseased shrub, you already know the answer to the question: are tree and shrub services worth it?

Routine tree and shrub care helps prevent serious issues before they escalate and delivers measurable value in return. Here’s what professional services offer:

• Prevention of Costly Tree Removal or Replacement: Early intervention helps trees stay strong and resilient. Catching problems before they become irreversible can save hundreds or even thousands on removal and replanting.
• Increased Curb Appeal and Property Value: Healthy, well-shaped trees and shrubs add structure and beauty to a yard. A professionally maintained landscape can make a strong impression on guests and future buyers. 
• Pest and Disease Control: Trained technicians know how to apply targeted tree pest control treatments that stop infestations before they spread and damage your plants. 
• Healthier Growth and Longer Plant Life: Deep-root fertilization and seasonal pruning help trees and shrubs grow more vigorously, even in challenging soil or weather conditions. 
• Safer Landscapes: Removing weak or dead limbs lowers the chance of injury or property damage, which is especially important after storms or heavy snowfall. 

DIY vs. Professional Tree Care

Plenty of homeowners are tempted to handle tree and shrub maintenance themselves. It may seem more affordable on paper, but that cost-saving can quickly disappear.

One factor worth considering is that DIY tree care comes with risks. Safety is a significant concern, especially when using ladders or chainsaws. Timing is another. Knowing when to fertilize trees and shrubs or how to recognize early signs of disease isn’t always straightforward. Misidentifying pests or over-applying products can also do more harm than good.

On the other hand, professional tree and shrub care teams bring technical knowledge and experience. Arborists know the correct pruning methods for different species and how to apply treatments based on local soil conditions and climate cycles. They also have access to commercial-grade tools, targeted solutions, and year-round maintenance schedules.

In the long run, hiring a professional saves time and reduces the risk of damage caused by improper care. 

Regional Tree Care Needs: What To Expect in Your Area

Tree and shrub care isn’t the same across every yard. Here’s how care varies across various regions.

Washington (Spokane, Kennewick, Tri-Cities)

In Washington, wet spring weather can invite fungal problems like anthracnose, while pests such as aphids, spider mites, and bronze birch borers thrive in dense foliage. These issues spread quickly without early treatment.

Treatments:

• Deep-root fertilization works best in early spring and again in late fall, giving trees the nutrients they need to stay strong through seasonal shifts.
• Dormant oil applications in late winter help stop pest populations before they emerge.

Idaho (Boise, Meridian, Idaho Falls)

Idaho summers are hot and dry, so pest activity stays high and trees face added stress. Spider mites and scale insects are common offenders, and chlorosis often occurs in the state’s alkaline soils.

Treatments: 

• Iron injections restore leaf color and improve nutrient absorption.
• Spring is ideal for fertilizing and applying preventative tree pest control before problems occur.

Utah (Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo)

Utah’s compacted soils and dry air make it tough for roots to absorb water and nutrients. Moreover, pests like aphids and borers are active, and powdery mildew appears in shaded, humid pockets.

Treatments:

• Deep-root feeding helps trees access moisture below the hardened surface.
• Preventative treatments usually begin in April or May, with mid-summer follow-ups for added protection.

Colorado (Denver, Aurora, Broomfield)

Colorado trees deal with a mix of elevation stress, compacted soils, and persistent pests like the emerald ash borer. Iron chlorosis is also common, especially in maples and oaks, and leaf scorch appears during prolonged dry spells.

Treatments:

• Soil treatments and iron balancing support stronger, greener growth.
• Fertilization typically starts in late April or May, while pest monitoring picks up around mid-summer.

How Senske Delivers Value With Tree & Shrub Services

At Senske, every care plan is shaped by what your landscape needs. That means we don’t apply generic solutions. We take the time to get it right.

• Customized Service Plans by Region and Tree Type: We always start with a detailed assessment. Our licensed arborists evaluate plant health and soil conditions to develop a plan for your property and location.
• Licensed Arborists and Trained Technicians: Our team knows the trees that grow in your area and how to care for them. We don’t cut corners or guess. Instead, we apply science-based solutions backed by decades of experience.
• Eco-Friendly, Pet-Safe Solutions: We use materials that are tough on pests and diseases but safe around children and pets. Treatments are applied responsibly to protect the health of your trees without harming the environment.
• Scheduled Seasonal Visits and Proactive Care: We handle the timing, so you don’t have to. From when to fertilize trees and shrubs to when to apply dormant oil or pest treatments, our seasonal schedule keeps your landscape on track year-round.

Customer FAQs

When should I fertilize my trees? 

Early spring and late fall are ideal times to fertilize, but timing may vary by region and soil condition. Senske adjusts the schedule based on what your landscape needs most.

Do I need to treat trees if they look healthy?

Yes. Many issues, like insect infestations or nutrient deficiencies, start below the surface. Preventive care helps avoid damage before symptoms appear.

How often do I need service? 

Most landscapes benefit from seasonal visits spaced throughout the year. Senske builds your schedule around regional factors and your specific goals.

Let’s Bring Out the Best in Your Trees  

Tree and lawn care isn’t a luxury, it’s proactive protection. With the right plan, you can avoid costly damage, boost curb appeal, and support stronger, longer-lasting growth. 

That said, results depend on more than products or treatments. Local expertise and consistent service are also significant in keeping your trees and shrubs strong year after year. 

At Senske, we’ve served homeowners in Washington, Idaho, Utah, and Colorado for over seven decades. We apply region-specific knowledge to every visit, helping you maintain a yard that stays healthy and reliable through changing conditions.

Want greener, healthier trees? Schedule your Senske tree and shrub service today.