Plant Health Care Program

[Matthew Petell]

I have read some discussions on the subject and researched all over the web and in my books and have found conflicting info. I would like to offer my high-end customers a program that is fair and in the best interest of their trees. I would be most interested in offering biostimulants and fungi that improve the trees health rather then dumping nutrients. I would ofcourse start with a soil test. But I would also like to have a regular schedule for cost purposes, i.e. to afford the equipment costs. Has anyone come up with a plan that they feel ethically does right by all parties?

 

[Guy Meilleur]

Depends on the property and the client. the best ones here get a quarterly maintenance visit so I can see the plants in every season. PHC is by nature comprehensive; high$$$ soil additives are just one tool (and not a high-profit one at that).

The big knock on regular mtc is that it can lead to overpruning. If you are given charge of the whole landscape, you can do a lot of work to benefit plants that does not involve cutting. Annual mtc visits are standard; most customers agree to a paid visit once a year. The ones that opt to call on a per need basis pay more because the problems are always bigger.

 

[Guy Meilleur]

I recommend chemicals only when other means don't fit. They're often mentioned in a range of mgt options as a last resort.

Most of my clients want to go the safer route.

 

[rborist1]

:Eye: