Fertilize Your Trees and Shrubs This Summer – Here’s Why

Evergreen shrubs in landscaping in Sioux Falls, SD

Fertilize Your Trees and Shrubs This Summer – Here’s Why

After a long day of being in the summer heat, a cold glass of water in the air conditioning is just what you need.

But what about your shrubs and trees? No, you do not need to build a custom air conditioner – you just need to fertilize them!

Much like humans, trees and shrubs need essential nutrients to continue thriving. This is as easy as one annual application to ensure they stay happy, healthy, and boosting your curb appeal.

Learn why you need to schedule your shrub and tree fertilizer today from the professionals at Weller Brothers in Sioux Falls, SD, and Rochester, MN.

Four Reasons Why You Need to Fertilize Your Trees and Shrubs

Trees and shrubs are living investments that grow in value each year. The foundation of their life span starts with properly maintaining them. Established trees and shrubs require appropriate and timely maintenance, such as pruning, watering, fertilizing, and mulching to enhance their health and growth.

1. Bigger and Better Flower Production for Shrubs

If you have evergreen shrubs (junipers, arborvitaes, or boxwoods) that are common in the Midwestern area, you have likely enjoyed the aesthetic flowering season.

Soil does not commonly contain the needed amount of nutrients needed to promote flourishing flowers on your trees, so fertilizer will prompt and support flowering.

2. Vibrant Foilage Color

Fertilizers contain nutrients that trees need to continue growing lusciously. Nitrogen, which is commonly found in fertilizers, helps tree foliage maintain a vibrant and thick foliage.

If your tree or shrub has a nitrogen deficiency, you may notice that the leaves are a pale yellow-green color. To properly diagnose and treat your tree, you should consult a certified arborist to ensure that pests and diseases are not playing a factor in the diminishing look of your trees.

Large evergreen tree in a Sioux Falls, SD backyard created by Weller Brothers Landscaping

Trees in landscape mulch in a Sioux Falls, SD backyard by Weller Brothers Landscaping

Small trees planted in a landscape bed near a fence in Sioux Falls, SD

3. Stronger and More Resilient Trees and Shrubs

A healthy plant is a strong plant. When plants can grow at their full potential, they become stronger and able to thrive in harsh conditions. In the Midwest, we experience extreme heat in the summer, frigid temperatures in the winter, and inconsistent rainfall in the spring. Due to varying weather conditions, your trees and shrubs will need fertilizer to become more resilient to these types of conditions.

4. Ability to Fight Off Pests and Diseases

You might not have guessed that trees and shrubs have so much in common with humans — they actually do! Consider a strong plant to be like a human with a strong immune system that can fight off sickness.

Fertilizing your plants will boost their immune system to help combat pests and diseases that can be harmful to their growth. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are common types of nutrients that are in fertilizer, and are essential to promote healthy plants.

Contact Us For Professional Shrub and Tree Fertilization

The certified tree care professionals at Weller Brothers are ready to work with you to establish a fertilizer program for your trees and shrubs in Sioux Falls, SD, and Rochester, MN.

Rochester Sioux Falls

Ravishing Woodland Rebuild

Landscape bed in Rochester, MN designer by Michael Blazing

Ravishing Woodland Rebuild

Design by

Michael Blazing

The cohesive front and backyard design carefully considers the variety of sun and shade access in this Minnesota yard.

The existing wall was a deteriorating timber wall that extended beyond the property line into a neighbor’s property. The homeowner wanted to replace the wall with something new, adjusting the layout so that the wall would stay within their property.

We used Versa-Lok retaining wall blocks and step units. This material allowed us to adjust the layout of the wall, giving it a long sweeping curve.

The backyard is quite shaded, so the planting layout uses an assortment of shade-tolerant plants to provide foliage color and quick bursts of flowers.

The front planting design mimics the rear design, though we could incorporate a few sun-loving plants in this space. The use of ferns, groundcovers, and other shade-tolerant plants “woodland garden” feel as they continue to grow and spread throughout the beds.

Designed

the Weller Brothers Way.

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What Are the Different Types of Jobs in the Landscaping Industry?

What Are the Different Types of Jobs in the Landscaping Industry?

When it comes to landscape industry careers in the Midwest, there are many different options. This is a region where people truly value the outdoors and want their outdoor spaces to serve them aesthetically and functionally.

While many different jobs in landscaping are available, choosing one that fits your skill set, experience, and interests is an important task.

Weller Brothers is always hiring great people to work with, and we believe everyone can be someone at Weller Brothers.

Career Pathways

We have two primary landscaping career pathways: landscaping and lawn/tree maintenance services. Each position has a career pathway map that will outline the possibilities for promotion throughout your career. No one wants to stay stagnant at their job, which is why we almost always promote from within at Weller Brothers.

Landscape Designer

Landscape designers sell, design, and oversee the execution of landscaping projects. Landscape design could be an excellent career choice for individuals with artistic skills and a strong attention to detail. Each of our designers possesses a passion for creating beautiful outdoor spaces to enjoy life’s best moments.

“As a landscape designer, my advice to anyone that is wanting to become a landscape designer is to spend as much time in nature as possible and do not be afraid to get your hands dirty. Find a part-time job or a mentor that is involved in gardening, landscaping, horticulture, construction, or an engineering discipline.”

Education / Training

For this role, candidates must have a degree in landscape design or landscape architecture. A significant understanding of local horticulture is crucial for integrating plants that thrive within the designated area. All Weller Brothers, landscape designers uphold our commitment to excellence by proactively completing projects promptly and within specified budgets.

Landscape Foreman

Landscape foremen execute the construction of designs created by landscape designers. They manage their crew members, oversee day-to-day job site operations, manage and train crew members, and communicate professionally with customers.

“Before being at Weller Brothers, I attended South East Technical College in their landscaping program, and I learned even more when I was on a job site with my mentors. I would recommend finding someone who can teach you and help you learn everything you can from them if you are looking for a position in landscaping.”

Education / Training

We prefer to hire those with a degree in horticulture or with construction experience, however, we have opportunities for entry-level positions to gain the necessary experience needed to become a landscape foreman. Through our Fast Track Foreman program, you will receive on-the-job experience as you advance through the program. This is a great opportunity for someone who is looking to change their career path and enter the landscape industry with minimal experience.

Lawn Maintenance Foreman

Lawn maintenance foremen are responsible for the lawn care and maintenance of our clients’ properties. They manage their crew members, oversee day-to-day job site operations, and communicate professionally with clients.

“I never expected the opportunities that the Foreman Fast Track program would give me to advance professionally while on the job. I gained confidence in overseeing projects and leading a team. Three years ago, I joined Weller Brothers as a Lawn Maintenance Technician and am now a Lead Lawn Maintenance Foreman. ”

Education / Training

We prefer to hire those with a degree in turf managment or with construction experience, however, we have opportunities for entry-level positions to gain the necessary experience needed to become a lawn maintenace foreman. Through our Fast Track Foreman program, you will receive on-the-job experience as you advance through the program. This is a great opportunity for someone who is looking to change their career path and enter the landscape industry with minimal experience.

Lawn Maintenance Account Manager / Sales

Lawn Maintenance Account Managers retain and sell maintenance contracts, which can involve upselling plant and tree health care, landscape enhancements, or snow removal services. Additionally, each account manager ensures that the property meets or exceeds the client’s expectations of quality and appearance.

“Although the role of an account manager is sales-oriented, it is just as much or more about building a strong relationship with the client through professionalism, trust, and ongoing communication. People do business with people that they know, like, and trust.”

Education / Training

Each lawn maintenance account manager must independently work with little direction while effectively and efficiently communicating with their clients. Preferably, candidates should have one year of experience in the landscaping industry or equivalent education. Proficient skills in computer applications such as LMN, GIS, or other relevant applications are required to create, track, and pursue proposals.

Irrigation Specialist

Irrigation specialists install, test, and troubleshoot new underground sprinkler systems. They also have the main responsibility of adapting and performing other irrigation-related duties as needed, such as system startups, checks, and winterizations.

“As an irrigation specialist, my biggest advice would be to always be willing to learn and work hard. This type of job requires on-the-job training and experience, so be patient as you move up the ladder to this position.”

Education / Training

It takes special training and experience to become an irrigation specialist. At Weller Brothers, we prefer to hire those with experience, but are happy to train motivated individuals who’d like to become specialized.

Fertilizer Specialist

Fertilizer specialists maintain and apply fertilizers and chemicals to lawns, landscape plants, and trees. They identify and diagnose turf and landscape plant issues and diseases, recommending treatments and repairs as needed to customers. This position demands the ability to manage a crew by tracking a daily route, holding teammates accountable, and communicating professionally with customers.

“I enjoy my job as a fertilizer specialist because it continues to challenge me. I think that my turf management degree from Southeast Technical College was vital to the success I have found at Weller Brothers. Anyone interested in a career in fertilizer application should consider whether they are a self-motivated person who is always willing to learn.”

Education / Training

A fertilizer specialist must possess their applicator license for the respective state they work in, along with experience in fertilizer and chemical applications in the field. They need significant experience operating common irrigation equipment, a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and the ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card.

Horticulture Specialist

The horticulture specialist actively grows, maintains, and takes care of all types of plants and landscapes in a variety of settings. A large part of this role involves actively providing excellent customer service by promptly and courteously assisting customers, answering questions, and providing information as needed.

“As someone who does not have a formal educational background in horticulture, I would highly recommend taking every opportunity to learn. Weller Brothers has been a great place for me to grow my plant knowledge as well as my professional experience. I joined the team as a horticulture specialist and am now the lead horticulture specialist, leading a team of six people. Take every opportunity you are given.”

Education / Training

We prefer candidates with a degree in horticulture, along with one year of experience in the related field. Proficient skills in computer applications such as LMN or other relevant applications are necessary to effectively track job times and process accounts.

Tree Care Specialist / Arborist

A tree care specialist or arborist plants, treats, and removes trees. They also help determine the viability of trees in a landscape design for a particular area. Arborists understand their obligation to preserve the significant value that trees may contribute to life and property.

“Tree removal can be a very dangerous job, which is why I always recommend furthering your education to know how to properly use all of the tools. There are different types of certifications to become an arborist, which are also very important to get depending on the jobs that you will be doing.”

Education / Training

We prefer one year of experience, and tree and plant ID. Our tree team also takes additional training and education, such as Electrical Hazard Awareness Training or Qualified Line Clearance Arborists. Maintaining and obtaining a state-specific applicator license is required to perform applicable tree health treatments.

Educational Opportunities

In addition to many different career pathways, we offer a variety of different educational experiences to gain comprehensive real-world experience in the landscaping industry. In each of our three locations, there are seasonal internship opportunities available for college students who are pursuing a degree in a respective industry.

By the end of the experience, you’ll understand the inner workings of a large design/build/maintain landscaping company and have clarity on your career path.

Contact us to Work for Weller Brothers

The landscape, lawn, and tree care professionals at Weller Brothers in Sioux Falls, SD, Rochester, MN and Des Moines, IA are always looking to hire great people to work with. If you are looking to join a team that will help you grow professionally, in a team culture with competitive wages, look no further.

Des Moines Rochester Sioux Falls

Embracing Simplicity and Neighborhood Deer

Simple plantings in a front yard landscaping in Rochester, MN