Arborists help homeowners grow healthy trees, and they manage damaged plants. Tree services identify signs of invasive pests that ruin a tree’s appearance and overall health. My Arborist evaluates homeowners’ lawns to create targeted treatment solutions and ongoing maintenance plans. Here is more information on how tree services help manage invasive species:
Identify Signs of Invasive Species
Invasive pests can stunt a tree’s growth, which affects the overall landscape’s appearance. Arborists inspect homeowners’ lawns to identify signs that invasive pests are present. Damaged bark or branches may mean pests, such as burrowing beetles, have bored into the tree. Some infested trees have discolored leaves; this suggests foliage has started to die because pests like worms are feeding on it. Arborists may also look for poor soil conditions and environmental stress that make trees more prone to invasive species.
Use Targeted Tree Care
A tree doctor performs an on-site evaluation so they can create customized treatment plans to address unique challenges. An arborist treats visible symptoms and manages the cause of the infestation to verify pests won’t return. Diseased trees may attract pests, so arborists apply treatments, like foliar spray, to reduce fungal spread. Many arborists use sprays with fewer pesticides than other alternative options. These products are often safe to use around pets, children, and insect pollinators, like bees and butterflies.
Dormant oil is a treatment used in the winter to prevent pests from emerging in the spring. Arborists apply a non-toxic spray on trees, which suffocates any dormant insects and eggs. This kills a large number of pests, so homeowners have a smaller infestation challenge in the spring. Dormant oil works best on plants that harbor scales and mites, including apple trees, pear trees, gooseberry bushes, and others.
Some trees benefit from injections; these treatments are applied directly into a tree, where they are immediately absorbed. The injection spreads through the entire tree, which is ideal for severely infected plants. Injection treatments can last up to two years. This provides long-term protection from recurring pest infestations.
Perform Tree Maintenance
Monitoring previously infected trees helps make sure they remain healthy by identifying maintenance needs, such as trimming damaged branches. Arborists can check how well the treatments are working and make any needed adjustments to the plan. Routine inspections allow arborists to catch subtle signs of pests before they create extensive damage. Tree doctors are able to:
- Monitor trees through changing seasons to make sure their growth is as expected.
- Identify changes in branches and leaves to catch early signs of pest infestation.
- Recommend preventative treatments to stop invasive species before they damage trees.
Work With Trained Arborists
Arborists help prevent insect infestations from spreading to other trees in the landscape. They determine which treatment solution would work most efficiently for a homeowner’s trees; this also allows them to tailor the plan based on the extent of the pest infestation and damage. Tree services, such as deep root fertilization, at My Arborist help improve tree growth and may reduce damage from pests. Contact us today to manage current pest infestations and help prevent future ones.