Nurturing Des Moines' Urban Forest Since 1960
At Arbor Masters, we've been helping trees flourish in Des Moines for more than 60 years. Our fertilization service provides trees and shrubs with essential nutrients for robust, healthy growth. We use cutting-edge techniques to deliver nourishment exactly where plants need it most.
Just like people, trees and shrubs require proper nutrition. However, in urban and suburban areas, soil often lacks the nutrients plants need to thrive. Our ISA Certified Arborists use specialized tools to give trees and shrubs the specific elements they're missing, whether they're growing in parks, yards, or along city streets.
Our Fertilization Services
Deep Root Fertilization
Soil Improvements
Foliar Sprays
Soil Analysis
Why Fertilization Matters for Trees and Shrubs in Des Moines
Des Moines' natural landscape has changed significantly with urban growth. This shift affects the health of our individual trees, shrubs, and entire urban canopy. Regular fertilization helps overcome these challenges, providing plants with essential nutrients to flourish in our city's unique environment.
Urban soil changes: As our city expands, many trees are planted in areas where natural soil has been removed or destroyed. These modified soils often lack key nutrients, microorganisms, and structure for healthy root growth.
Weather extremes: Des Moines gets hot summers, ice-cold cold winters, and intense wind storms. Well-nourished trees are better equipped to handle these weather extremes.
Soil pH variations: Des Moines soil can range from slightly acidic to alkaline. This pH range can affect how trees absorb certain nutrients, particularly iron, which is important for many species.
Nutrient Depletion: As trees grow, they use up soil nutrients. In urban settings where we often remove fallen leaves and other organic matter, this natural replenishment cycle is disrupted.
Environmental stress: Des Moines trees face unique stressors like air pollution, road salt in winter, and periodic dry spells. A well-fed tree is better equipped to handle these urban pressures.
Certified and Accredited Tree Care Professionals
Advantages of Expert Tree Fertilization
Why Choose Arbor Masters for Fertilization
As Des Moines residents ourselves, we're committed to nurturing our city's green spaces. Here's why you can trust Arbor Masters with the health of your trees:
Our Fertilization Approach
Property Evaluation
We begin by examining your property and assessing the condition of your trees and soil.
Customized Plan Development
Based on our findings, we create a plan tailored to your trees' specific needs.
Initial Application
We apply the first round of fertilizer using the most appropriate method for your trees.
Continuous Care
We return 3-5 times over 12 months to provide continued care and nutrients.
Monitor Tree Health
We observe how your trees respond and adjust our plan if needed.
Fertilization FAQs
Most trees benefit from regular fertilization, rather than a one-time service. We typically fertilize individual trees 3-5 times over a 12-month period, but it can vary based on the tree's health and environment.
While you might notice slightly greener leaves in a month or so, the real benefits unfold over time. Trees often show the most noticeable improvements during their next active growth phase. For instance, fall fertilization typically yields visible results the following spring when new growth emerges.
Your family's safety is our priority. We use pet and child-friendly products, and once dry, the treated areas are safe for all. We'll give you clear guidelines on any temporary precautions to take right after application.
Fertilization provides trees with immediate nutrients to address current needs. Soil improvement focuses on enhancing the overall growing environment over time. While fertilization offers quick results, soil improvement creates long-term benefits by modifying soil structure and nutrient-holding capacity. Both approaches contribute to tree health, but they operate on different timescales.
Trees usually show signs that they’re stressed. Look out for:
- Leaves smaller than usual
- Branches with little new growth
- Off-color foliage (pale green or yellowish)
- Leaves dropping earlier than normal
- Frequent pest or disease problems
If you spot these signs, it might be time for a nutrient boost. We're happy to assess your trees and provide expert advice.
Deep root fertilization is often the most effective method. This method injects nutrient-rich solutions directly into the root zone. It's precise, reduces runoff, and helps aerate the soil at the same time. While it's highly effective, it requires specialized equipment and expertise to avoid root damage or over-fertilization. That's why we recommend leaving it to certified professionals like our team at Arbor Masters.
Our Service Area
We proudly serve Des Moines and surrounding communities throughout Polk County and beyond. Not sure if we cover your area? Give us a call at (515) 218-2025. Our expert team is always happy to discuss how we can help your trees thrive.
Altoona
Carlisle
Dixon
Granger
Prairie City
