Diagnosis & Treatment—Our ISA Certified Arborists have the knowledge and experience to diagnose and treat tree maladies caused by insects or diseases. Treatments are recommended only when necessary. In most cases our arborists recommend an integrated approach to deal with your pest problem. This may include options other than pesticides. For example, pruning, fertilization, mulching, watering, and soil enhancement are options that can improve the health of your tree or shrub and help reduce insect or disease problems.
Some problems are not related to insects or diseases. Our arborists have the ability to diagnose these abiotic disorders and can offer recommendations to help improve the health and appearance of your tree. Some examples of these disorders include: soil pH, soil compaction, sunscald, frost cracks, over/under watering, etc.
Fertilization helps to maintain and promote the health and vigor of your trees and shrubs by providing them with the necessary nutrients for growth. In a forest environment, trees benefit from the recycling of organic matter, but urban sites are often lacking nutrients due to competition with lawns and lack of organic matter. Sites containing back-fill soil and sites with limited rooting area may also lead to nutrient problems. Additionally, high pH levels can cause some nutrients to be unavailable for uptake. Although some situations do not warrant fertilization, most trees in the urban setting will benefit greatly from this service.
Root Collar Excavation—Usually, the most notable signs of a tree’s health are above ground, yet more often than not the real problems are occurring below ground. Root collar excavations reveal problems with the root flare area of the tree. Whenever the root flare (the point where the trunk tapers out at the bottom) is not visible, there may be problems with girdling roots, decay, and pests. Girdling roots can cut off nutrient flow resulting in plant decline. Many of these root problems can be addressed which may help to improve plant vigor.
Soil Enhancement—Compacted soils have less pore space and less oxygen than similar non-compacted soils. Soil compaction results in a poor growing environment for tree roots. Using a technique which employs the use of supersonic air pressure, soil enhancement loosens the soil and increases pore space. By adding organic matter and other amendments, we can create a more ideal rooting environment. While injections can help boost the health of a tree in the short-term, root invigoration through soil enhancement can have a lasting impact on the tree’s long-term health.
