Compost tea is a liquid extract taken from stable, mature compost. Typically, the brewing process includes oxygenating the tea to maximize the microbial communities and shorten the brewing time.

The tea can be fortified with supplements either during production or as a post-production addition. Compost tea is a readily available form of compost that will affect the plant more quickly than compost mixed with soil.

Arbor Plant Health Care provides compost tea and compost tea consulting services in HRM and surrounding communities like Bedford, Fall River, St. Margaret’s Bay, and Hammonds Plains.

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Warning: Compost tea does not mean leachate. Leachate is the liquid that drains from composting materials and if allowed to run off-site, would be a pollutant. The leachate may contain pathogens, especially from materials in the early stages of composting.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Compost Teas

Compost tea can enhance disease suppression, reduce fungicide and fertilizer requirements, improve plant growth, improve uptake of plant nutrients, increase plant nutritional quality and lower production costs.

However, compost quality issues, including maturity and micro-organism content, become very important when making effective compost tea. Good compost has the potential to make good tea. Poor compost always makes poor tea; the compost may have high salt concentrations and high levels of anaerobic micro-organisms. In addition, the presence of pathogens may be amplified in the tea.

What is in Compost Tea?

The beneficial micro-organisms include aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, pseudomonads and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The number and diversity of micro-organisms in compost tea are different than the original compost. Some micro-organisms prefer to live attached to particulate matter, so not many of those would be present in compost tea that has been finely strained. Keep in mind that long storage times negatively affect the micro-organisms and nutrients; use the tea as soon as possible (within 18 hours) and store in a shaded area with agitation and ventilation.

It is impossible to generally predict the nutrient content of compost tea. The content depends on many factors including the nutrient content of the compost, style of tea brewer used, length of storage, degree of straining, application timing, etc.

How Do Compost Teas Work?

Compost teas can be applied either to the soil or to the plant foliate. When applied to the

soil, the nutrients and micro-organisms will move into the root zone and affect the rhizosphere of the plant. This action adds good micro-organisms to the soil and allows them to become part of the soil.

When the tea is applied to the plant, it will affect the plant immediately, and there is little room for forgiveness from the plant if a tea with toxic qualities is used. The compost tea delivers beneficial micro-organisms and nutrients to the plant surface to assist in disease suppression and nutrient availability.

Tree Planting in HRM

We follow all of the current best practices for tree planting, and we are happy to outline them below. If you are thinking of enhancing your landscape through the addition of trees, Arbor Plant Health Care can help.

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Tree Planting Steps

Think of the tree you just purchased as a lifetime investment. How well your tree, and investment, grows depends on the type of tree and location you select for planting, the care you provide when the tree is planted, and follow-up care the tree receives after planting.

Planting the Tree

The ideal time to plant trees and shrubs is during the dormant season and in the fall after leaf drop or early spring before bud break. Weather conditions are cool and allow plants to establish roots in the new location before spring rains and summer heat stimulate new top growth. However, trees properly cared for in the nursery or garden center, and given the appropriate care during transport to prevent damage, can be planted throughout the growing season. In either situation, proper handling during planting is essential to ensure a healthy future for new trees and shrubs. Before you begin planting your tree, be sure you have had all underground utilities located prior to digging.

If the tree you are planting is balled or bare root, it is important to understand that its root system has been reduced by 90 to 95 percent of its original size during transplanting. As a result of the trauma caused by the digging process, trees commonly exhibit what is known as transplant shock. Containerized trees may also experience transplant shock, particularly if they have circling roots that must be cut. Transplant shock is indicated by slow growth and reduced vigor following transplanting. Proper site preparation before and during planting coupled with good follow-up care reduces the amount of time the plant experiences transplant shock and allows the tree to quickly establish in its new location. Carefully follow nine simple steps, and you can significantly reduce the stress placed on the plant at the time of planting.

Arbor Plant Health Care arborists are trained in this nine step process. We can help with any shrub planting or tree planting work you have in or around Halifax, Dartmouth, Fall River, Bedford, St. Margaret’s Bay, and surrounding areas.

Step 1 – Dig a shallow, broad planting hole

Make the hole wide, as much as three times the diameter of the root ball but only as deep as the root ball. It is important to make the hole wide because the roots on the newly establishing tree must push through surrounding soil in order to establish. On most planting sites in new developments, the existing soils have been compacted and are unsuitable for healthy root growth. Breaking up the soil in a large area around the tree provides the newly emerging roots room to expand into loose soil to hasten establishment.

Step 2 – Identify the trunk flare

The trunk flare is where the roots spread at the base of the tree. This point should be partially visible after the tree has been planted (see diagram). If the trunk flare is not partially visible, you may have to remove some soil from the top of the root ball. Find it so you can determine how deep the hole needs to be for proper planting.

Step 3 – Remove tree container for containerized trees

Carefully cutting down the sides of the container may make this easier. Inspect the root ball for circling roots and cut or remove them. Expose the trunk flare, if necessary.

Step 4 – Place the tree at the proper height

Before placing the tree in the hole, check to see that the hole has been dug to the proper depth and no more. The majority of the roots on the newly planted tree will develop in the top 12 inches of soil. If the tree is planted too deeply, new roots will have difficulty developing because of a lack of oxygen. It is better to plant the tree a little high, 2 to 3 inches above the base of the trunk flare, than to plant it at or below the original growing level. This planting level will allow for some settling (see diagram). To avoid damage when setting the tree in the hole, always lift the tree by the root ball and never by the trunk.

Step 5 – Straighten the tree in the hole

Before you begin backfilling, have someone view the tree from several directions to confirm that the tree is straight. Once you begin backfilling, it is difficult to reposition the tree.

Step 6 – Fill the hole gently but firmly

Fill the hole about one-third full and gently but firmly pack the soil around the base of the root ball. Then, if the root ball is wrapped, cut and remove any fabric, plastic, string, and wire from around the trunk and root ball to facilitate growth (see diagram). Be careful not to damage the trunk or roots in the process. Fill the remainder of the hole, taking care to firmly pack soil to eliminate air pockets that may cause roots to dry out. To avoid this problem, add the soil a few inches at a time and settle with water. Continue this process until the hole is filled and the tree is firmly planted. It is not recommended to apply fertilizer at the time of planting.

Step 7 – Stake the tree, if necessary

If the tree is grown and dug properly at the nursery, staking for support will not be necessary in most home landscape situations. Studies have shown that trees establish more quickly and develop stronger trunk and root systems if they are not staked at the time of planting. However, protective staking may be required on sites where lawn mower damage, vandalism, or windy conditions are concerns. If staking is necessary for support, there are three methods to choose among: staking, guying, and ball stabilizing. One of the most common methods is staking. With this method, two stakes used in conjunction with a wide, flexible tie material on the lower half of the tree will hold the tree upright, provide flexibility, and minimize injury to the trunk (see diagram). Remove support staking and ties after the first year of growth.

Step 8 – Mulch the base of the tree

Mulch is simply organic matter applied to the area at the base of the tree. It acts as a blanket to hold moisture, it moderates soil temperature extremes, and it reduces competition from grass and weeds. Some good choices are leaf litter, pine straw, shredded bark, peat moss, or composted wood chips. A 2- to 4-inch layer is ideal. More than 4 inches may cause a problem with oxygen and moisture levels. When placing mulch, be sure that the actual trunk of the tree is not covered. Doing so may cause decay of the living bark at the base of the tree. A mulch-free area, 1 to 2 inches wide at the base of the tree, is sufficient to avoid moist bark conditions and prevent decay.

Step 9 – Provide follow-up care

Keep the soil moist but not soaked; overwatering causes leaves to turn yellow or fall off. Water trees at least once a week, barring rain, and more frequently during hot weather. When the soil is dry below the surface of the mulch, it is time to water. Continue until mid-fall, tapering off for lower temperatures that require less-frequent watering. Other follow-up care may include minor pruning of branches damaged during the planting process. Prune sparingly immediately after planting and wait to begin necessary corrective pruning until after a full season of growth in the new location.

Proper pruning of trees can extend their lifespan, provide structural stability, keep landscapes safe, and add curb appeal to a property.

Trees improperly pruned or trees that have never been pruned and may be hazardous can become a liability. Timing of pruning, what to prune, and how much to prune are key factors that affect the health and future of a tree. There are many different types of pruning practices that can be performed in different situations.

Consult an Arbor Plant Health Care certified arborist to learn what pruning techniques to apply and when to apply them.

View the full gallery of our certified tree workers removing a 100ft pine tree. Arbor Plant Health Care offers professional tree removal service in Halifax, Dartmouth, Fall River, and surrounding areas.

Tree removal requires a number of skills and proper training to be done safely without harming people or property. Trees around electrical wires, houses, and other obstacles require proper techniques and equipment for safe removal. If you live in Nova Scotia, Arbor Plant Health Care can provide both.

Arbor Plant Health Care can help with the tree removal whether or not it is covered by insurance. Contact Arbor Plant Health Care today to meet with certified arborist and discuss your tree removal job with a certified arborist and tree worker today.

Natural Hand Hedge and Shrub Pruning: helps to shape and contain the plant and promote good health and interior plant growth.

Rejuvenation Pruning: this depends on the season and type of shrub, involves pruning a shrub back hard to almost create a new shrub.

Shearing: can make a shrub or hedge look more formal and should be combined with natural hand pruning to promote interior growth.

Arbor Plant Health Care offers shrub pruning and hedge pruning services in Halifax, Fall River, Dartmouth, St. Margarets Bay, and surrounding areas. Contact Arbor Plant Health Care today and talk to a ISA certified arborist about your shrub or hedge pruning needs.

Deep root fertilization is a process where a high quality nutrient solution is injected into the root zone of trees. The materials are injected into the root zone under pressure which helps aerate or provide much needed oxygen to the root system. Unlike fertilizer applications such as broadcast fertilizing, deep root fertilizing is less likely to cause ‘fertilizer burn’ as it also provides water to the plants.  The soil injection begins just below the surface and goes to a depth of twelve inches, thus getting past the upper layer of plants such as grass and into the tree root system. Soil injection sites are placed two to three feet apart in a grid pattern under the canopy area and beyond the drip line.

Why fertilize your trees & shrubs?

Often in urban settings we break the nutrient cycle that trees are normally a part of in the forest.  Every year we rake up leaves and remove grass clipping which over time deplete the soil of nutrients.  This may cause added stress to trees and shrubs.

Roots are opportunistic and develop where ever oxygen, nutrients, and moisture are present. Ongoing deep root fertilization programs improve the oxygen content, microbial activity, and nutrient levels within the soil, leading to improved environmental conditions around and within the root zone.

Tree & Shrub fertilization programs should be based on soil tests, tree conditions, and environmental conditions.  Every plant is different and have different requirements.  Tree and shrub fertilization is an important part of a plant health care program to help keep plant healthy to help relieve the added stresses of urban environments.

Contact Arbor Plant Health Care today for help with deep root fertilization in your landscape.

A property assessment consists of a certified arborist from Arbor Plant Health Care working in conjunction with the client to review their landscape, trees, and shrubs and making recommendations based on the needs of the trees and the desires of the client. Recommendations are made to improve the function, safety, and curb appeal of the landscape.

Contact Nova Scotia’s Arbor Plant Health Care today for a property assessment by a certified and consulting arborist.

A plan would be put together that would take in consideration the right timing to do the work for proper tree and shrub care and also to fit the clients convenience and budget.

A proper management plan will help maintain safe and healthy trees and a beautiful landscape for years to come.

Contact Nova Scotia’s Arbor Plant Health Care today for a Tree and Property Management Plan consultation with a certified arborist.

Nova Scotia’s Arbor Plant Health Care’s knowledgeable and experienced arborists are trained to identify situations when support systems would be beneficial. We can also design and install these support systems by understanding the engineering involved and knowing what’s best for your trees.

Contact us today to see if your trees would benefit from a support system.

If you are looking for a certified arborist to speak at your event, contact us today.

Call Arbor Plant Health Care today to discuss vertical mulching for your trees.

Through an organic soil care program we can help you improve soil structure and add life back into to your soil.  By incorporating composts and injecting water soluble products we can add beneficial micro organisms back into your soil to give your trees and shrubs a healthy environment to thrive in.

Call Arbor Plant Health Care today to discuss Organic Soil Care for your trees.

We can work with your insurance on your tree removal projects after a storm or other emergency situation.

Arbor Plant Health Care can work with you and your insurance company to help make a difficult situation easier.

Call us today to speak with a certified arborist about our tree services using your insurance.

Sometimes trees and shrubs become stressed and as a result, may become infected with insects and disease.

There reaches a point where it may be desirable to control these pests. There are a number of environmentally friendly ways of controlling insects and disease such as dormant oil, horticultural soaps, BT, natural predators, and tree injections. However, the best way to combat this problem is to be proactive and keep trees healthy and vigorous to prevent insects and disease from becoming an issue.

Contact  Arbor Plant Health Care today for a tree health consultation from a certified arborist.

Stump removal is the process of using a grinding machine to remove tree stumps.   The machine has a large flywheel equipped with sharp teeth that “grinds” out the stump, leaving a pile of wood chips.  The machine is compact and can fit through gates into back yard without tearing up lawns.

If you have stumps that need to be removed, contact Arbor Plant Health Care today.

Since hurricane Juan in 2003 many people have neglected these forested areas not knowing how to approach them.  There are often many fallen trees and where new trees are growing back they are thick and need to be managed.  Arbor Plant Health Care can help you put together a plan to clean up these forest areas, develop new young trees, and make this area into a usable part of your property.

Call Arbor Plant Health Care today to discuss a Forest Enhancement Program for your property.

The Solution: Plant Health Care

Situations such as these led arborists to create Plant Health Care (PHC) programs. The objective of PHC is to maintain or improve the landscape’s appearance, vitality and—in the case of trees—safety, using the most cost-effective and environmentally sensitive practices and treatments available. Plant Health Care involves monitoring, using preventive treatments, and adopting a strong commitment to working closely with you, the tree owner.

Why Plant Health Care, Not Tree Health Care?

While trees are dominant ornamental features in your home landscape, they share this area with turfgrasses, shrubs, and bedding plants. And all these plants have one resource in common: the soil. The roots of trees, shrubs, turfgrass, and bedding plants intermingle and compete for water and nutrients. In fact, the roots of a single mature tree may extend 60 feet or more out into your lawn or flower beds. Every treatment applied to the lawn (fertilizer and herbicide, for example) can impact the appearance and vitality of a tree. Conversely, treatments applied to a tree, such as pruning and fertilizing, can influence the appearance and vitality of the underlying turfgrass. The care of each plant in a landscape can affect the health of every plant in that landscape.

Why Contact an Arborist for Plant Health Care?

Trees and shrubs represent a considerable long-term investment in your landscape. With proper care, these plants can provide beautiful surroundings, cooling shade, and many other benefits for decades. Arborists have the experience and training to detect many potential tree and shrub problems before they become life threatening or hazardous. In addition, arborists can make tree and shrub recommendations, such as species selection and placement, to keep many problems from occurring in the first place. Arborists can also consult with other landscape services you may use, lawn care for example, to ensure that the treatments are coordinated and will not be harmful to your trees and shrubs. Remember, the potential size and longevity of trees and shrubs warrants their special attention in your landscape. Bedding plants can be replaced in a few short weeks and a lawn in a single growing season, but it can take a lifetime or more to replace a mature tree.

What Does a Tree and Shrub PHC Program Cover?

Every home landscape is unique, so there is no standard PHC program. Plant Health Care programs do have features in common, however. First, PHC involves monitoring tree and shrub health. This step allows problems to be detected and managed before they become serious. The monitoring may be as simple as annual visits to check on a few special trees in your landscape, or it may involve more frequent quarterly or monthly inspections of all your trees and shrubs. The monitoring frequency and complexity of your PHC program depend on the size and diversity of your landscape as well as your particular landscape goals.

Second, if problems or potential problems are detected or anticipated during a monitoring visit, your arborist will develop solutions. The solution could be a simple change in your lawn irrigation schedule—many trees are kept too moist—or more detailed suggestions, such as pruning or spot applications of pesticides.

Finally, PHC involves you, the client. Your arborist will give you information about your trees and shrubs. This information ensures that decisions are made that address your concerns and are appropriate to your landscape budget and goals. Information may be provided through a variety of means. Obviously, discussions and answering questions are important means of conveying information, but many PHC programs include written recommendations after each monitoring visit. Plant Health Care is a program tailored to the needs of the client and his or her trees and shrubs.

How Will My Trees and Shrubs Benefit from PHC?

Because ornamental trees and shrubs can quickly succumb to problems, routine monitoring and timely treatments can protect your landscape investment and reduce expenses. A monitoring visit to your landscape might reveal

• a hidden infestation of tent caterpillars that may soon defoliate the ornamental crabapples in your front yard
• a weakly attached branch that may fail and damage the house
• improperly pruned shrubs that are not flowering as abundantly as they should.

Your Plant Health Care specialist can recommend treatments and changes in maintenance practices that can eliminate these problems while maximizing the safety and aesthetic quality of your landscape.

What Will a PHC Program Cost?

Because each program is individually designed to fit the needs of a particular landscape, no standard price can be given without a site visit and assessment. You may have an interest in developing a plan for a few key trees in your landscape, or you may wish to have the entire landscape placed on a program. PHC programs can also be structured in different ways. For example, some programs charge a fee for monitoring and bill each treatment separately. Other programs have an annual fee that covers all monitoring visits for the season as well as many potential treatments. These more comprehensive programs provide the peace of mind in knowing that treatments for most potential problems are already covered by the program without additional charges. Individualized programs and flexibility are at the heart of PHC. You will find that your arborist can design a Plant Health Care program that fits your goals and budget.

How Do I Choose an Arborist?

Check the phone directory for arborists who are members of professional organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), or the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA), and also look for ISA Certified Arborists. These credentials demonstrate a commitment to education and to staying abreast of the latest information and techniques. Ask for proof of insurance and references, and don’t hesitate to check them. Remember, tree care is a substantial, long-lasting investment in your valuable assets; take the time to select a knowledgeable professional to care for your landscape.

Call us today to set up a plant health care program for your trees and landscape today!