We have in depth knowledge of shrubs and hedges to keep them as healthy and beautiful as possible. At SPM we are aware of the many different environmental factors, insects, and diseases that affect specific shrubs. Having someone with the knowledge to know what to do the first time they see signs and symptoms of disease or insects on your shrubs will save you lots of money in the long term. 

Knowing the difference between hedges and shrubs determines the method of maintaining the plant. Hedges are plants that are planted in succession and are designed to be natural barriers for privacy, wind blocks, aesthetics, and great for defining boundaries. Shrubs are ornamental species and require more attention to detail during the pruning process and should not be treated the same as hedges.

Hedge care entails proper pruning on a minimum one to two year cycle depending on species growth habits. This allows for proper light penetration, forced directional growth, increased density, and size management. Maintaining species as a hedge naturally stresses plant material, which commonly leads to the need to control insects, diseases, and to replace lost nutrients in the soil by fertilizing. 

There are many types of ornamental shrubs and each one has its own set of care needs. Some species are native and take less care and others are non-native and require more attention. Knowing the specific characteristics of each plant allows us to develop a custom shrub care program for your property. For example most flowering shrubs have a specific window of time when pruning is appropriate to increase flower production and if that window is missed it can mean no flowers the following season rather than more. 

Shrubs in the landscape commonly host various insects and diseases. Depending on how they are managed can affect the overall health and beauty of the shrubs. See our plant health care section to learn more.