The shrub, that attractive link between plant and tree, is a common presence in many yards in Philadelphia. Shrub service is, therefore, a common concern when trying to keep your southeastern Pennsylvania property looking as good as possible. Well-maintained shrubs and hedges compliment your home and give a yard a little something extra. Poorly maintained shrubs, on the other hand, detract from the overall appearance of your residence and severely reduce your home's curb appeal.
Basic Shrub Maintenance
Whether you hire a gardener to keep your shrubs in order, or you prefer to do the job yourself, there's no denying that it's got to get done. While mature trees might only need any significant work every few years, shrubs require a bit more attention. They need to be watered regularly, and most need a good pruning from time to time. While watering is usually a simple matter of getting on a schedule, pruning is a bit trickier. In most cases, pruning should be done in early spring or in late winter to promote healthy and attractive new growth. For certain shrubs that are meant to bloom later in the year, pruning can be done at the end of the summer.
Insects and disease are also concerns when dealing with shrubs, and while neither will damage a bush as quickly as they can a plant, their effects will be noticed much faster on a shrub than they would on a tree. If you cannot get a disease or pest problem under control quickly, it is time to call in a professional to see what can be done.
Service before you Plant
Though it is very important to care for any flora once it is in the ground, in Philadelphia, shrub service is only part maintenance. The dramatic annual temperature changes in the area, as well as the soil makeup, will only be attractive to certain kinds of plants. If you put a shrub in your yard that isn't meant for these kinds of conditions, you've only got two options: give it all the attention it needs, or watch it wilt. No matter how good the exotic flowers look, if you don't have the time to care for them (or you don't hire someone to help you), it will have slim chance of thriving.
This is why one of the most important parts of Philadelphia shrub service is in the planting. By choosing plants, trees and, shrubs that are native to the area, you're making a huge step forward in having a successful front lawn. Out of town plant life, aside from not being meant for the weather or soil conditions, might even have a difficult time getting along with the other species in the area. You may have to wait on them hand and foot, and even with a lot of help, they still might not flourish.
Professional Philadelphia Shrub Service Pricing
For basic shrub service, Philadelphia residents should expect a fairly low bill. In fact, many lawn care companies will offer a package deal that will include trimming hedges or watering plants in addition to just mowing the grass and picking up leaves. These packages can be purchased for an entire season of weekly visits (which should start at around $30 per week), or you can call as necessary (which will be a bit more expensive). If you have a serious pest or disease issue, you might want to contact an arborist (tree specialist). They will often give you a free estimate, but actual prices to fix the problem will vary a lot depending on the complexity of the job. 
Jon Nunan is a freelance writer who draws on his experience in construction, ranging from landscaping to log home building, for his articles on home improvement.