How to Keep Your Trees and Shrubs Healthy All Year
Oklahoma City’s weather can be unpredictable — long stretches of hot, dry summer days followed by sudden storms or cold snaps. These swings can stress plants, making them more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and poor growth.
With a little knowledge and the right seasonal approach, you can:
- Prevent common plant problems before they start
- Maintain strong, vibrant growth year-round
- Reduce the need for expensive emergency treatments later
Understanding Plant Health Care
Plant Health Care (PHC) is a proactive way to care for your trees and shrubs through regular monitoring, timely treatments, and proper cultural practices (like planting, pruning, and watering correctly).
Rather than waiting until plants show visible signs of trouble, PHC focuses on prevention. Think of it like a wellness plan for your landscape.
Common Plant Health Issues in Oklahoma City
Before you can prevent plant problems, it’s important to know what you’re up against:
Pests You Might See
- Bagworms – Caterpillars that strip foliage from evergreens
- Aphids – Tiny insects that cause leaf curl and sticky residue
- Scale insects – Sap-feeders that weaken plants over time
- Spider mites – Thrive during hot, dry weather
Diseases to Watch For
- Powdery mildew – White, powdery coating on leaves
- Leaf spot – Brown or black lesions on leaves
- Root rot – Often caused by poor drainage or overwatering
Environmental Challenges
- Drought stress from summer heat
- Freeze damage from sudden winter cold snaps
- Wind damage from seasonal storms
Seasonal Plant Health Care Tips for Oklahoma City
A healthy landscape requires different care in each season. Here’s what to focus on:
Spring
- Fertilize trees and shrubs to boost new growth
- Apply dormant oil to control overwintering pests
- Check for early signs of fungal disease and treat as needed
- Mulch beds to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Summer
- Water deeply during dry periods (1–2 inches per week)
- Monitor for spider mites, bagworms, and aphids
- Avoid heavy pruning during extreme heat
- Keep weeds from competing for water and nutrients
Fall
- Fertilize again to strengthen roots for winter
- Remove diseased leaves to prevent overwintering pathogens
- Apply pre-emergent weed control in shrub beds
- Prune dead or damaged branches after leaf drop
Winter
- Prune for structure and shape when plants are dormant
- Protect sensitive plants from freezing temps with covers or wraps
- Check for rodent damage on young trees
- Plan your spring planting and care schedule
Best Practices for Long-Term Plant Health
- Right Plant, Right Place: Choose plants suited to Oklahoma’s climate.
- Proper Watering: Deep, infrequent watering encourages strong roots.
- Mulching: Helps regulate soil temperature and moisture.
- Regular Inspections: Catching problems early makes them easier to fix.
- Pruning Smart: Prune at the correct time of year for each plant species.
Oh, and by the Way — We Do This Every Day
If you’d rather skip the trial and error, AgriLawn, Inc has been providing Plant Health Care in Oklahoma City for over 34 years. We offer:
- Seasonal monitoring and targeted pest/disease treatments
- Custom fertilization plans
- Shrub bed weed control
- Expert advice on planting, watering, and pruning
Our local team understands Oklahoma’s unique climate challenges and can keep your trees and shrubs healthy year-round — all while using child- and pet-safe products.
Contact us today to schedule an assessment and see how easy it can be to have a thriving, low-maintenance landscape.