Plant Health Care

Diagnosis of plant pests is an exacting science. It determines what organism might be causing a tree’s decline. Insects like borers or bark beetles feed on the sap conducting tissues and reduce a trees ability to transport water and nutrients up and down the branches or trunk. Leaf feeding insects or spiders attack foliage reducing a trees ability to capture sunlight and make food. Foliar diseases do this as well. We use many products to control these disease causing organisms but each is very specific as to which pest they control. That is why proper diagnosis is important.

Injection

Using the tree’s own vascular system, we are able to treat a tree or shrub by drilling into its base and injecting the chemical directly into the tree. Not only does this greatly reduce exposure for the applicator, it also increases the effectiveness of the treatment and requires less chemical to do so. We use Arborjet Tree I.V., Mauget Caps and macro-infusion systems. Depending on the treatment, injections typically need to be repeated every one to three years. Common ailments we use this method for include Emerald Ash Borer, Oak Wilt, Dutch Elm Disease, severe Bronze Birch Borer, Two-Lined Chestnut Borer, and many more.

Sprays

Many foliar fungal diseases can only be treated through a scheduled spray program. Our chemical applicators meticulously spray shrubs and trees to cover infected leaves as best as possible. Because of the potential for drift and chemical exposure, we take into special consideration wind speeds, temperatures and rain potential. Common applications we use this method for include Rhizosphaera Needleblight, Dothistroma Needleblight, Diplodia Tip Blight, Apple Scab, and Juniper Needle diseases.

Insecticidal Drench

This is a wonderfully simple and effective method where the insecticide is poured directly on the roots of the plant. Over a couple months, the insecticide is absorbed through the roots of the plant and translocated to all plant parts, including the leaves. When the pest insect chews on any part of the plant, the insecticide will be ingested, killing the pest and leaving the plant healthy. This also reduces chemical exposure and reduces cost in labor. This method is commonly used for Japanese Beetles, Bronze Birch Borer, Lilac Borer, Viburnum Borer, Emerald Ash Borer in Ash too small to inject, and Magnolia Scale.