The Long-Term Impact of Neglected Trees and Shrubs on Your Landscape

As a Northeast Ohio homeowner, finding your trees and shrubs in decline in your home landscape can feel like such a gut punch. 

This is because that beloved magnolia or that prized oak may have spent years and years growing to the ideal height. It might fit in this specific spot in your landscape perfectly. And now you are seeing its dying branches and leaves or sick apearance and wondering if you’ve lost a beautiful feature in your landscape that seems almost impossible to replace as it is. 

This is where neglected trees and shrubs can really let you down. You worry about pests you see that you didn’t even know were there but now they seem to have taken over. You are fearful that things you have done to help your trees like trimming may have failed. And what about the property loss and curb appeal impacts that might come from losing a large tree or shrub in your front yard? 

Let’s dive into these problems neglected trees and shrubs can lead to, such as: 

• Pest and Disease Infestations (jump to this section below)
• Structural Weaknesses, Property Damage, and Liability Risks (jump to this section below)
• Loss of Curb Appeal and Property Value (jump to this section below)
• Reduced Tree and Shrub Lifespans (jump to this section below)

The solution to these issues lies in proper plant health care that is rooted in experience. We’ll dive into preventative tree care strategies that can help you avoid these symptoms of neglect.

The Worst Impacts of Neglected Trees and Shrubs

Sure, your trees and shrubs seem strong and sturdy on their own. But they need some preventative tree care to ensure long life and success. 

What can ignoring plant health care in Northeast Ohio do? Quite a lot actually. These are some of the worst results you can experience from tree and shrub neglect.

Pest and Disease Infestations

A neglected tree or shrub can easily go from looking great one minute to looking bad the next.

Why? A weak plant can be more susceptible to pest and disease infestations. And that’s when the real trouble begins. 

The most common signs of pest issues from the lack of plant health care are discolored leaves and needles, spots or holes on leaves, or drooping branches and dropping needles from evergreens.

Structural Weaknesses, Property Damage, and Liability Risks

Overgrown or weak trees and shrubs are more likely to cause property damage. 

This is because compromised limbs can increase the risk of falling branches. All it takes is one heavy snow, ice, or wind storm and a dead limb can fall on roofs, cars, or power lines. 

Unchecked tree roots can even grow into a home foundation or disrupt walkways. 

And if any of this happens on your neighbor’s property due to a lack of tree health care, you could be held liable for damages. 

Loss of Curb Appeal and Property Value

An overgrown, neglected landscape can look pretty uninviting. 

This can lead to reduced value. Home buyers are less likely to show an interest in properties that require extensive shrub and tree health care, espeically if there are visible risks that indicate potential damage. This is why 78% of real estate professionals blame poor landscaping on diminished home values, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Reduced Tree and Shrub Lifespans

Without proper plant health care, trees and shrubs become more susceptible to nutrient deficiencies and root rot. 

This can shorten their lifespans, leading to costly tree removal and replacement sooner than expected. 

Protect Trees and Shrubs With Proper Care

When you have tree health care issues, it usually takes more than one symptom to correctly identify a cause. 

This is because many pests can cause similar damage. What’s more, non-pest issues, such as planting depth, planting location, over or under watering, or mechanical damage, can lead to dead branches or irregular growth, too.

It takes a professional plant health care expert to correctly determine the cause of these symptoms.  

Correct identification of issues is the most important part of making sure your plants are protected. For instance, a homeowner who sees drooping or discolored leaves may first think lack of water is the issue. So, they start watering more, which could be making the problem worse or not have any effect at all if there are insects present. 

A plant health care professional can lead you in the right direction to treat an issue or at least provide the correct solution to eliminate the issue. 

Plant care experts can better understand local soil conditions, seasonal changes, and the specific needs of different tree and shrub species. They can also spot problems before they become expensive disasters, as well as recommend the best pruning techniques and fertilization strategies and ensure your trees and shrubs stay strong and healthy year-round. 

Invest in Professional Plant Health Care For Better Tree And Shrub Health

Opting for professional preventative tree care and shrub care services in Northeast Ohio can save you a lot of time and money. 

The investment in professional plant monitoring and care is much cheaper in the long run. 

Worried about your trees and shrubs? Concerned they might be suffering from symptoms of neglect? Let Turf Pride help. We can take care of these key assets in your landscape with tree and shrub fertilization, insect and disease control, and dormant oil treatments. The end result will be plants that add to your property value and curb appeal rather than detract from it. 

Want to improve your tree and shrub health and create a happier overall landscape in Northeast Ohio? Turf Pride can help. Get started today with a free quote. Together, we’ll customize a plan that gives you the most attractive landscape on the block.