Grand Rapids Greenery Year-Round Tree Care Tips

Trees can be an incredible asset to any home or property, increasing curb appeal and adding significant value. Healthy trees can enhance curb appeal while increasing property values.

Watering properly will ensure the best success for your new plants, but be wary of overwatering them.

USDA hardiness zones 5b and 6a – which cover many homes in Grand Rapids, MI – are conducive to accommodating many flowering perennials.

The tree care experts at Grand Rapids Tree Service (grandrapidsmitreeservices.com) told us that mative plants are an effective way to demonstrate your dedication to Grand Rapids’ environment. Because they’re tailored specifically for our climate and soil conditions, natives require less water and chemicals compared with non-native species. And don’t forget butterfly weed – an eye-catching perennial that attracts monarch butterflies with beautiful yellow blooms from late summer through fall!

Spring

Spring marks the season when gardens awaken from dormancy, especially those planted within USDA Hardiness Zones 5b and 6a. As temperatures warm, trees planted will begin to flourish with buds starting to open as temperatures heat up.

Sow seed for a summer crop of leaf lettuce, mustard greens and Swiss chard in partial shade. Plant flowering perennials like black-eyed Susans that bloom from early summer through fall; as well as nannyberry shrubs which produce blueish-black berries to feed wildlife.

Summer

Summer’s scorching temperatures and limited rainfall can put strain on trees, so be sure to water regularly and deeply to maintain soil moisture, particularly for newly planted or established trees. Water early morning or late evening for maximum effect against evaporation.

Pruning during the summer allows you to assess a tree’s current shape and likely regrowth patterns, remove diseased or damaged limbs, shorten long lengths of new growth that could fall during storms, as well as remove diseased or damaged branches that pose potential safety threats.

Planting native species in your garden and landscape helps Grand Rapids meet its sustainability goal by decreasing chemical pesticide usage. Native species thrive without excessive fertilizer use that pollutes our environment – one example being non-fragrant nannyberries which thrive without polluting. Perfect for urban gardens, these non-fragrant berries feature white flowers followed by blueish black berries which attract wildlife – an option great for edible landscaping (foodscaping).

Fall

Planting native flowers, shrubs and grasses on your property – whether landscaping your backyard or simply adding trees – attracts bees, butterflies and other pollinators that help your garden or landscape to flourish, while creating natural habitats for local wildlife. Planting these native species also reduces fertilizers and chemicals that pollute the environment – an essential factor for Grand Rapids as a sustainable city.

Deciduous trees should be planted between mid-August and late October (before their first frost), to maximize root development before winter arrives. Evergreens should also be planted during this period; however, evergreens should ideally be planted either fall or spring for best results.

Red-osier dogwood trees make an elegant addition to any yard, but be sure to plant them in an area protected from harsh winter winds and piles of snow at their base – this will protect them from potential salt damage due to de-icing services on roads and sidewalks which could otherwise harm their roots and bark.

Winter

Flowering perennials that thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 5b and 6a — such as those commonly found at new Grand Rapids homes for sale — are an effective way to attract bees and butterflies that play an integral role in producing abundant crops and blooms.

Edible landscaping (foodscaping) has grown increasingly popular over time. By creating an edible landscape that allows you to cultivate fruits, vegetables and herbs alongside ornamental plants, foodscaping is becoming an attractive gardening trend that also benefits the environment by decreasing fertilizer and pesticide usage that could potentially harm its ecosystem.

Plant native species whenever possible to support Grand Rapids’ sustainability mission and show your care for our environment. Native plants are better adapted to Grand Rapids’ climate and soil conditions, needing less fertilizer. Plus, their resistance to local insect and disease pests means you spend less time applying chemical pesticides.