Plant Health Care


What is Plant Health Care?

Plant health care (or "PHC" for short) is a comprehensive, all encompassing approach to the aesthetic appeal, vitality, and safety of our urban forest. Our PHC programs are tailored to the specific needs of the client and typically include: regular site visits by one of our certified arborists, integrated pest management (or "IPM" for short), and preventative measures such as pruning and feeding. Our PHC programs are proactive and focus on improving the overall health and well-being of our client's trees, thereby reducing the incidence of insect infestation and disease. In cases where pest and disease management is necessary, we employ the most targeted and environmentally conscious methods so as not to disturb nature's delicate balance.

Signs of a Sick Tree

Trees are incredibly resilient, and actually have their own "immune systems". However, they can fall victim to various pests and diseases, especially if they are insulted by improper pruning, soil compaction, changing environmental conditions, etc. If you notice any unusual signs, it’s essential to act quickly. It may take several years for a tree to begin exhibiting signs of stress from a given insult, so the sooner the issue can be identified and interventions can be performed, the better the outcome. Common indicators of illness in trees include discolored leaves, wilting branches, early leaf drop or unusual growths.

  • What are some common tree diseases?

    Common diseases in our area include: 


    -Bur Oak Blight in Oak trees


    -Verticillium Wilt in Maple trees


    -Diplodia Tip Blight Disease in Pine trees


    -Dutch Elm Disease in American Elm trees


    -Chlorosis or Iron deficiency in River Birch trees


    -Rhizosphaera Needle Cast Disease in Spruce trees


    -Apple Scab and Rust in Crabapple and Hawthorne trees

  • What are some common tree insect issues?

    Common insect issues in our area include:


    -Spruce Spider Mites in Spruce trees


    -Scale insect infestation in Magnolia trees


    -Emerald Ash Borer infestation in Ash trees


    -Bronze Birch Borer infestation in Paper Birch trees


    -Two Lined Chestnut Borer infestation in Oak trees


    -Bronze Birch Borer infestation in Paper Birch trees


    -Zimmerman Pine Moth Borer infestation in Pine trees

  • How can I identify insect infestations?

    Insects like aphids, beetles, and borers can wreak havoc on your trees. Look for signs such as holes in the bark, sticky residue or pitch run on the trunk, holes in the leaves or visible insects. Early detection is key to preventing serious damage.

  • What are the best prevention methods?

    "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!" Proper pruning, watering, mulching and feeding are some of the biggest keys to keeping your trees healthy. In addition, having your trees evaluated by one of our certified arborists on an annual basis ensures that any potential issues are identified and addressed in a timely manner.

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