Tree Care in Austin
Tree Care & Fertilization Programs
Austin Tree Experts tree care programs are composed of a series of timely fertilization and soils conditioning treatments when they help the tree the most. Once you approve the service, we’ll let you know when the time is right—you don’t need to remember to schedule each visit. Our programs are designed around Central Texas growing seasons and the specific needs of trees in Austin’s alkaline, limestone-heavy soils.
- Basic program (2 treatments/year) — Spring and fall applications timed to the active growing seasons.
- Full program (4 treatments/year) — Adds a summer soil conditioner to help retain moisture during the hottest months, and a late-winter treatment when weather begins to break and budding activity starts.
- Some properties with difficult terrain or unusual soil profiles will get a variation of service tailored to their conditions.
Treatment Application Methods
- Soil injection — Most treatments are injected directly into the soil within the root zone. This delivers nutrients and amendments right where the feeder roots can absorb them.
- Foliar spray — One fertilization service is sprayed onto foliage in the spring. Some pest control treatments are also applied as foliar sprays when the target pest is on the leaves or bark.
- Trunk injection — Much like an IV, trunk injections deliver treatments directly into the tree’s vascular system. We use this method for a few special circumstances, primarily oak wilt fungicide treatments and iron injections for trees showing chlorosis in Austin’s high-pH soils.
Compost & Mulching
Compost application is probably one of the best tree care activities you can do to bolster tree condition. Maintaining mulch beds provides the same ongoing benefit. A proper layer of compost feeds the soil biology, improves moisture retention, and moderates root zone temperatures during Austin’s brutal summers. Check out our dedicated Mulching & Composting page to learn more about our products, application methods, and pricing.
Insect & Disease Treatments
Healthy, well-maintained trees can endure many pest and disease attacks on their own. When pest control treatments are needed, we’re ready to act. Common issues we treat in the Austin area include:
- Hypoxylon canker on oaks (often triggered by drought stress)
- Ball moss removal and management
- Aphid and scale infestations on pecans and crape myrtles
- Bacterial leaf scorch
- Borers in weakened or newly transplanted trees
Treatment always starts with diagnosis. Our arborists identify the specific pest or pathogen, determine whether treatment is warranted, and select the most effective method. We don’t spray preventatively when there’s no target—it’s wasteful and can harm beneficial insects.
Oak Wilt Management
Monitoring and maintaining tree condition is the best starting point for oak wilt management. Oak wilt is the most significant tree disease in Central Texas and requires a specialized approach that combines fungicide injection, root disruption, and ongoing monitoring. Visit our dedicated Oak Wilt page for comprehensive information on our diagnosis protocol and treatment options.
Consulting & Diagnosis
We offer consultations to diagnose problems and prepare care plans. If you can, send us photos as a starting point—close-ups of the leaves, bark, and the overall canopy along with wide shots showing the tree in its surroundings. Photos help our arborists narrow down likely causes before the site visit, which means we can give you better answers faster.
Tree care plans can also be paired with pruning and air-spade work for a comprehensive approach to tree health. For trees showing root-level problems—girdling roots, compacted soil, or buried root flares—an air-spade excavation is often the first step before any treatment program can be effective.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Care
What does a tree care program include?
Our basic program includes two treatments per year—spring and fall—timed to Austin’s active growing seasons. The full program adds a summer soil conditioner and a late-winter treatment for four total visits. Each visit includes an inspection by the treating arborist, who monitors tree condition and adjusts the program as needed.
How much does tree care cost in Austin?
Cost depends on the number of trees, their size, the program level (basic or full), and any additional pest or disease treatments needed. A basic two-visit program for a few residential trees is affordable for most homeowners. We provide a detailed proposal after an on-site assessment—call (512) 996-9100 for a free evaluation.
How long before I see results from fertilization?
Trees typically show improved canopy density and leaf color within one to two growing seasons. Deep root fertilization feeds the soil biology as much as the tree itself, so the benefits compound over time. Trees in severe decline may take longer, and some may need additional treatments like air-spade soil decompaction to address root-level problems.
Are your treatments safe for pets and kids?
The products we use are professional-grade and applied according to label directions. Soil-injected treatments go directly into the root zone with minimal surface exposure. We let you know if any specific treatment requires a temporary drying period before the area is safe for foot traffic. In most cases, the treated area is safe within a few hours.
Can I cancel or change my program?
Yes. Our tree care programs are flexible. You can adjust the level (basic to full or vice versa), add or remove trees, or cancel at any time. We bill per visit, so you’re never locked into a long-term contract.
My tree looks sick—where do I start?
Start with a consultation. Send us photos if you can—close-ups of affected leaves, bark, and the overall tree. Our arborists will evaluate the situation and determine whether the tree needs a care program, a pest treatment, or a more in-depth assessment like an air-spade root excavation. Call (512) 996-9100 to get started.
Related Tree Services
- Tree Pruning — pruning and care programs work hand in hand for long-term tree health
- Oak Wilt Treatment — specialized fungicide injection and management for infected oaks
- Mulching & Composting — one of the best things you can do for your trees’ root zones
- Air-Spade Services — root crown excavation, soil decompaction, and girdling root pruning
- Arborist Consulting — professional diagnosis and tree condition assessments
- All Services — explore everything Austin Tree Experts offers
Get a Free Tree Care Assessment
Our Certified Arborists evaluate your trees’ health and develop a care program tailored to your property’s needs and Central Texas growing conditions.
Call us today: (512) 996-9100