Abstract

Shank, Bruce. 1978. Growth of tree fertilization linked to professional methods. Weeds, Trees & Turf 17(8): 14-16.

The success of lawn care companies suggests that property owners are aware of the increased value of their landscape. The same complete care package could work well for trees. The package could be pruning, fertilization, and repair of winter damage in the spring; insecticide and fungicide treatments in late spring and summer, and mulching, fertilizing, and necessary winter preparation in the fall. The entire program could be one contract at a price per visit. The success of lawn care spray rigs can be attributed to speed of application, rapid and dramatic improvement in the customer’s lawn, the outdoor advertising value of the tank truck, professional brochures, and the ability to plan routes accurately and efficiently. These same reasons for success can be utilized in tree care, when a dominant technology is chosen by professionals and recognized by the customer to be professional. The tree care industry needs its sign of professionalism for tree fertilization. The most unique method having the characteristics necessary for customer identification is the soil injection method. If this method could be developed into a route similar to lawn care, there may be great potential.

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