Plant Health Care FAQs

Plant Health Care is a proactive approach to maintaining and improving tree health through diagnosis, targeted treatments, and monitoring.

• PHC prioritizes correcting underlying stressors, not just treating symptoms
• Treatments are selected based on the tree, the site, and the likely causes of decline
• A good PHC plan sets expectations, defines follow-up, and measures change over time

Diagnosis starts with a structured evaluation of the canopy, trunk, root zone, and site history.

• We look for canopy density changes, dieback patterns, leaf size and color shifts, and timing of symptoms
• We inspect for structural issues, wounds, and signs of pests or disease activity
• We evaluate root zone conditions, including root flare visibility, grade changes, drainage, and compaction
• We consider recent events like storms, drought, construction, trenching, and irrigation changes

Photos can support triage, but most PHC diagnosis requires an on-site evaluation.

• Photos can help identify obvious insect pressure, foliar symptoms, or mechanical damage
• Many drivers of decline are below ground, such as compaction, root loss, and poor drainage
• If the concern involves risk or rapid decline, an on-site visit is the appropriate next step

Most decline is caused by cumulative stress, often from more than one factor.

• Drought stress and irregular irrigation patterns
• Soil compaction and poor oxygen availability in the root zone
• Grade changes and buried root flares
• Root disturbance from trenching, construction, and paving
• Chronic pest pressure on already stressed trees
• Poor pruning history, including topping and excessive canopy removal

PHC results are usually measured in months, not days.

• Pest suppression can be quicker, depending on timing and life cycle
• Root zone improvements and vigor recovery typically take one or more growing seasons
• Severe decline may stabilize rather than fully recover, and sometimes removal becomes the responsible option
• A good plan defines what improvement looks like, and when to recheck

Soil testing is useful when site conditions suggest nutrient imbalance or pH limitations.

• Soil testing can help confirm whether fertilization is appropriate
• pH can strongly affect nutrient availability, even when nutrients are present
• Testing is especially useful when trees show chronic chlorosis, poor growth, or repeated stress symptoms

Root collar excavation is the process of exposing the root flare to assess and correct buried root collar conditions.

• A buried root flare can contribute to chronic stress and increased decay risk
• Excavation helps identify girdling roots and trunk tissue buried below grade
• When indicated, it is a diagnostic and corrective step that can improve long-term outcomes

Girdling roots are roots that press against or circle the trunk, potentially restricting vascular flow and destabilizing the tree over time.

• Symptoms can include decline, poor growth, and increased crown dieback
• Correction depends on tree age, severity, and how much functional root is involved
• In some cases, selective root pruning is beneficial, in others it can create unacceptable stress
• The decision should be made based on inspection, species response, and site conditions

How do you treat insects and mites?Insect management should be targeted and timed, with an emphasis on Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

• We confirm the likely pest and severity before treatment
• Treatments may include cultural corrections, targeted applications, or systemic options when warranted
• Timing matters, because many pests have short windows where control is most effective
• Follow-up monitoring is important to verify response

Fungal indicators can mean anything from superficial colonization to structural decay.

• Some fungi are primarily decomposers of dead tissue, others are associated with active decay in living trees
• We evaluate location, extent, and related defects such as cavities, cracks, and seam growth
• PHC can support vigor, but it does not reverse structural decay
• When risk is a concern, mitigation may include pruning, reduction, monitoring, or removal

Roots need oxygen, moisture, and space. Construction impacts can remove roots and change soil function.

• Compaction reduces pore space, limiting oxygen and water infiltration
• Trenching and grading can sever roots and change drainage patterns
• Symptoms often appear gradually, then accelerate after cumulative stress
• Tree protection planning is often less expensive than trying to restore a damaged root system

A few simple actions can reduce stress while you schedule an evaluation.

• Maintain a proper mulch ring, keep mulch off the trunk, and avoid volcano mulching
• Avoid further root disturbance, including digging and soil piling
• Water deeply and infrequently when dry, and avoid daily light watering
• Do not fertilize blindly, especially on stressed trees
• Document changes with photos every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season

Drought stress can present as subtle decline before obvious wilting occurs.

• Smaller leaves, early fall color, and premature leaf drop
• Tip dieback and thinning canopy, often starting in the upper crown
• Increased susceptibility to borers, mites, and secondary pathogens
• Drought effects can show up one season after the triggering drought period