Learn How Tree and Shrub Spray Programs Safeguard Your Plants From Insects, Disease, and Environmental Stress
Healthy trees and shrubs form the backbone of a beautiful landscape—but they’re also vulnerable to a wide range of threats. Insects, fungal infections, extreme weather, and nutrient deficiencies can take a toll on your ornamental plants before you even realize there’s a problem. A professionally managed tree and shrub spray program provides targeted, timely treatments to protect your landscape’s most valuable assets.
If your trees and shrubs are showing signs of stress or you’re simply looking to preserve their health long-term, Borst Landscape & Design offers comprehensive spray services tailored to Bergen County’s unique environmental conditions. Call (201) 822-9327 or contact us online to speak with a plant health specialist today.
Why Tree and Shrub Sprays Are Essential
Many homeowners assume that once trees and shrubs are established, they no longer require care—but this misconception can lead to gradual decline and costly replacement. Even mature plants can suffer from infestations, fungal outbreaks, and nutrient imbalances, especially when weather patterns fluctuate or new pests arrive in the region.
Borst’s tree and shrub spray program is designed to proactively manage these risks. They combine pest control, disease suppression, and nutritional support in a series of treatments spaced strategically throughout the growing season. By addressing problems before they become visible, sprays protect not only plant health but the overall appearance and function of your landscape.
Common Threats to Trees and Shrubs
In Northern New Jersey, trees and shrubs face a variety of seasonal stressors. Among the most common are:
- Insect pests such as aphids, mites, scale, Japanese beetles, and borers, which can weaken branches, defoliate plants, and introduce disease.
- Fungal infections like powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust, which thrive in humid conditions and spread rapidly if untreated.
- Environmental stress from drought, poor soil conditions, or extreme temperature swings that reduce a plant’s natural defenses.
- Nutrient deficiencies that lead to poor color, stunted growth, or premature leaf drop.
Our spray program is carefully formulated to address these threats in a targeted way, based on the species of plant, time of year, and current weather conditions.
Timing Is Everything
The effectiveness of any tree and shrub spray program depends heavily on timing. Treatments must be applied at the right point in the plant’s growth cycle and pest life cycle to deliver maximum protection.
In most cases, a seasonal spray schedule includes:
- Dormant oil sprays in late winter or early spring to smother overwintering insect eggs and larvae.
- Early spring applications to prevent fungal outbreaks during the wettest part of the year.
- Mid-summer treatments targeting insects during peak activity and reinforcing disease prevention.
- Fall sprays that prepare plants for winter dormancy and reduce the risk of cold-related damage.
At Borst, our team monitors your landscape throughout the year to adjust timing based on real-time conditions and ensure each spray is as effective as possible.
What’s in a Spray?
The specific ingredients in a tree and shrub spray vary depending on the needs of your landscape. Our well-rounded program may include:
- Horticultural oils: Lightweight, plant-safe oils that suffocate insects without harmful residues.
- Systemic insecticides: Absorbed through foliage or roots to protect from the inside out.
- Fungicides: Designed to prevent or stop fungal spores from spreading.
- Micronutrient blends: Supplements like iron, magnesium, or manganese to correct deficiencies.
Organic and low-impact options are also available and can be just as effective when applied at the right intervals. Borst Landscape & Design prioritizes plant safety, environmental responsibility, and long-term sustainability when selecting treatment products.
Signs Your Trees and Shrubs May Need Treatment
Even if you’re not an arborist, there are warning signs that may suggest your trees or shrubs are under stress and could benefit from a spray program. Watch for:
- Discolored or curling leaves
- Sticky residue (honeydew) on leaves or ground
- Visible insects or eggs on branches
- Leaf spots or blotches
- Early leaf drop
- Thin or sparse foliage
If any of these symptoms appear, a professional assessment can help determine the cause and whether a spray is appropriate.
Preventative vs. Reactive Treatments
A key benefit of a professional spray program is prevention. Waiting until problems are visible often means the damage is already done. Preventative sprays stop pests and diseases before they gain a foothold, reducing the need for harsher treatments down the road.
That said, reactive treatments also play a role—particularly when pests arrive unexpectedly or disease pressure is high. A skilled technician can identify problems early and apply spot treatments as needed to restore plant health without over-treating.
Why DIY Sprays Often Fall Short
While some homeowners attempt to manage tree and shrub care on their own, DIY spray applications can be inconsistent or even harmful. Common pitfalls include:
- Using the wrong product for the specific pest or disease
- Applying treatments at the wrong time
- Over-spraying or under-spraying
- Damaging plants with incorrect dosages
Hiring a professional ensures that your landscape receives the correct treatment in the right quantity, at the appropriate time, using commercial-grade products not available to consumers.
How Spray Programs Support the Whole Landscape
Healthy trees and shrubs do more than beautify your yard—they anchor the entire landscape design. When properly maintained, they provide shade, create privacy, reduce erosion, and support wildlife habitats. A well-executed tree and shrub spray program helps protect this investment and allows other parts of your yard to thrive by keeping pests and diseases under control.
Insects that infest trees can easily spread to lawn areas or ornamental beds. Fungal spores can move from one shrub to another if not stopped early. That’s why tree and shrub health is a central part of any full-service property maintenance plan.
Long-Term Plant Health Starts With Consistency
Like any aspect of landscape maintenance, consistency matters. A single spray won’t solve most plant health issues. Instead, success comes from a structured, year-round approach that monitors changes, adapts to conditions, and builds plant strength over time.
At Borst Landscape & Design, seasonal spray programs are designed to be proactive, not reactive. Our plant health specialists assess each tree and shrub individually and develop a custom spray schedule to meet its specific needs. That level of detail ensures your landscape isn’t just protected—it continues to flourish.
Ready to Safeguard Your Landscape?
Protecting the health of your trees and shrubs doesn’t have to be complicated—or risky. With a professional spray program tailored to your property, you can enjoy the benefits of vibrant, thriving plants without the stress of managing issues on your own.
To learn more about how Borst Landscape & Design can preserve the health of your landscape, call (201) 822-9327 or contact us online today.