Tree and shrub care involves a range of practices designed to maintain the health, beauty, and longevity of these plants while ensuring safety and environmental benefits. Regular pruning and trimming help shape trees and shrubs, remove dead or diseased branches, and promote healthy growth. Proper watering, mulching, and fertilization provide essential nutrients and moisture to support their development. Pest and disease management is crucial in preventing infestations or infections that can weaken or kill plants. Soil care, including aeration and pH balancing, improves root health and nutrient absorption. Young trees and shrubs require extra attention, such as staking and protective barriers, to help them establish strong roots and withstand environmental stress. In cases where trees or shrubs become hazardous or no longer fit within a landscape, removal and stump grinding may be necessary. By investing in proper tree and shrub care, property owners can enhance the aesthetic appeal of their landscape, improve air quality, provide shade, and contribute to a healthier ecosystem.

As an ISA Certified Arborist, I care about your trees and shrubs and only want to use the best products. Tree and shrub insect and disease control involves a combination of preventative and reactive treatments to protect plants from harmful pests and diseases. Professional arborists and landscapers typically use a variety of methods depending on the specific threats present.

Common Treatments & Methods:

• Trunk Injections – Directly injects insecticides or fungicides into the tree’s vascular system for long-term protection.
• Soil Drenching – Systemic treatments applied to the soil around the roots, allowing the plant to absorb protective chemicals.
• Foliar Sprays – Sprayed insecticides, fungicides, or miticides to target active infestations on leaves and branches.
• Dormant Oil Applications – Applied in late winter or early spring to suffocate overwintering pests and their eggs.
• Biological Control – Introducing beneficial insects or fungi that naturally reduce pest populations.
• Pruning – Removing infected or infested plant material to prevent disease spread.
• Fertilization – Strengthens trees and shrubs to resist stress-related diseases and insect damage.

We utilize Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Trees & Shrubs

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a proactive, environmentally responsible approach to managing pests and diseases in trees and shrubs. It focuses on long-term prevention and control through a combination of cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods while minimizing environmental impact.

Key Components of IPM for Trees & Shrubs

1. Monitoring & Identification
   • Regularly inspect trees and shrubs for signs of pests, diseases, and stress.
   • Properly identify pests to determine if they pose a threat or are beneficial insects.
2. Preventative Cultural Practices
   • Plant pest-resistant species suited to the local climate and soil conditions.
   • Maintain proper watering, fertilization, and mulching to keep plants healthy and resistant to pests.
   • Prune trees and shrubs to promote airflow and reduce disease risks.
3. Mechanical & Physical Controls
   • Hand-picking pests like caterpillars or beetles.
   • Using barriers, traps, or pruning to remove infested areas.
4. Biological Control
   • Encouraging beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory wasps that naturally control pest populations.
   • Applying biological treatments such as nematodes or fungi to target specific pests.
5. Targeted Chemical Control (as a Last Resort)
   • Using low-impact, selective pesticides only when necessary.
   • Applying treatments like horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps, or systemic insecticides to minimize harm to beneficial organisms.
6. Ongoing Evaluation & Adjustment
   • Continuously assess the effectiveness of treatments and adjust strategies as needed.
   • Document pest outbreaks and environmental conditions to improve future management.

Benefits of IPM for Trees & Shrubs

✔ Reduces pesticide use and environmental impact
✔ Supports plant health and biodiversity
✔ Targets pests effectively while preserving beneficial insects
✔ Prevents long-term pest and disease issues

As an ISA Certified Arborist, I care about your trees and only want to use the best products. This short video explains the procedure we use to protect your trees from the various insects and diseases they can contract. For a full list of the insects and diseases we can treat feel free to give us a call or send us a message with the request a quote form.

Trunk injections are a targeted method of delivering pesticides, nutrients, or disease treatments directly into a tree’s vascular system. This technique is commonly used for disease control, particularly in large or high-value trees where foliar sprays or soil drenches may be less effective or practical.

How Trunk Injections Work

• Drilling & Plugging Holes – A hole is drilled and plugged into the tree’s trunk, typically near the base.
• Inserting the Injector – A pressurized injector or specialized plug is inserted into the hole.
• Delivering the Treatment – The treatment (fungicide, insecticide, antibiotic, or nutrient) is injected, allowing the tree’s xylem and phloem to transport it throughout the tree.
• Healing Process – The tree naturally seals the hole over time, minimizing long-term damage.

Common Uses for Disease Control

• Iron Manganese Definciency (caused by lack of a micronutrient): Trunk injections to maintain health.
• Disease and Insect Control (caused by insects or fungus.): Injections to treat variouse diseases and insect problems.
• Emerald Ash Borer (insect vector for pathogens): Insecticides injected into the trunk to treat for the Emerald Ash Borers.

Advantages of Trunk Injections

✔ Highly targeted, reducing environmental exposure to chemicals
✔ More effective than foliar sprays or soil treatments in some cases
✔ Long-lasting protection (months to years depending on the treatment)
✔ Can be used in environmentally sensitive areas