Our Tree Care Approach
Tree Care Should Work With the Tree’s Biology
Tree care decisions can affect a tree for years. Before recommending a treatment or procedure, Eric Putnam BCMA Inc. considers how the work may affect the canopy, vascular system, roots, surrounding soil, and the tree’s long-term ability to respond to stress.
Our Tree Care Approach explains what we do, how we do it, and why we may avoid certain commonly promoted practices.
Why Our Approach Matters
A visible symptom does not always reveal the underlying problem. Canopy thinning, dead limbs, discolored foliage, insect activity, and fungal growth may be connected to soil conditions, root damage, environmental stress, previous injuries, or several interacting factors.
For that reason, we do not begin with a predetermined product or procedure. We consider the tree, the surrounding site, the suspected cause of the problem, and the potential long-term effects of any recommended work.
Work With the Entire Tree System
A tree does not function as an isolated trunk and canopy. Its health depends on the relationship between its foliage, vascular system, roots, water, oxygen, nutrients, soil structure, and surrounding biological community.
Our recommendations consider how these systems interact instead of focusing only on the most visible symptom.
Avoid Unnecessary Intervention
Not every tree condition requires treatment, and not every available procedure is appropriate for every tree.
We consider whether the work is necessary, whether it addresses the probable cause, and whether the procedure could create wounds, disrupt beneficial biology, or contribute to future decline.
Explore Our Tree Care Approach
These educational resources explain the methods and principles behind our recommendations. Select a topic to learn how a procedure works, why it may be recommended, or why Eric Putnam BCMA Inc. avoids certain practices.
How the Biostimulant Works
Our biostimulant combines humic acid, molasses, and beneficial microorganisms to support the biological and physical conditions surrounding tree roots.
Learn how these components may support soil aggregation, pore space, nutrient exchange, aerobic conditions, root activity, and the living soil system on which trees depend.
How We Apply Tree Treatments
Tree health problems frequently involve more than one portion of the tree. Our treatment application method is designed to address the canopy, major limbs, trunk, root zone, and surrounding soil as parts of one connected biological system.
Learn how our broadcast application process distributes treatments throughout the appropriate portions of the tree and its growing environment without drilling into living tissue.
Why We Never Use Trunk Injections
Trunk injections require drilling through protective bark and into living vascular tissue. These openings are frequently created near the base of the tree, where infection and internal deterioration can have serious long-term consequences.
Learn why Eric Putnam BCMA Inc. does not use trunk injections and why we prefer treatment methods that do not require drilling into living tree tissue.
Why We Do Not Use Fungicides
Fungi are essential parts of healthy soil ecosystems. Fungicides do not affect only the organism associated with a visible disease. They may also damage beneficial fungal communities while leaving resistant organisms behind.
Learn why our approach focuses on improving soil biology, tree vigor, biological competition, and environmental conditions instead of relying on fungicides.
Removal of Diseased Dead Limbs
Diseased deadwood should not always be handled like routine deadwood. Cutting directly against living tissue may increase the risk of contaminating a fresh wound when infectious material is present.
Our approach emphasizes careful cut placement within the dead portion of the limb, strict tool sanitation, and an understanding of how diseases may spread between limbs or trees.
How We Make Tree Care Decisions
The appropriate recommendation depends on the individual tree, its growing environment, the condition being evaluated, and the potential effects of the proposed work.
Evaluate the Tree and Site
We consider the tree species, visible symptoms, structural condition, growing environment, root zone, soil conditions, and relevant property concerns.
Identify the Primary Limitation
We determine whether the primary concern involves structure, soil conditions, root damage, pests, disease, environmental stress, previous injuries, or several interacting factors.
Recommend an Appropriate Response
When action is necessary, we recommend a reasonable response intended to address the identified concern while avoiding unnecessary injury or disruption to the tree.
Why Our Recommendations May Be Different
Some recommendations from Eric Putnam BCMA Inc. may differ from practices commonly promoted within the tree care industry.
We do not recommend a procedure simply because it is widely marketed, visually impressive, convenient to perform, or routinely offered. We consider the biological purpose of the work, the limitations of the procedure, and its potential long-term effects on the tree.
That may mean recommending a different application method, preserving living tissue, supporting soil biology, allowing additional observation, or advising that no treatment is currently necessary.
Clear explanations are an important part of our approach. Property owners should understand what a recommendation is intended to accomplish before deciding whether to proceed.
Do You Already Know What Tree Care You Need?
Request a free estimate when you are considering an identified tree service or Plant Health Care treatment. If you need an independent diagnosis, detailed recommendations, documentation, or professional guidance before deciding whether any work is necessary, schedule a paid arborist consultation.
A Thoughtful Approach to Long-Term Tree Care
Diagnosis Before Treatment
Recommendations should be based on the tree’s condition and growing environment rather than assumptions made from a single visible symptom.
Biology-Based Recommendations
We consider how treatments and procedures may affect living tissue, roots, soil structure, beneficial organisms, and the tree’s long-term response.
Clear Explanations
We explain the intended purpose and limitations of our recommendations so property owners can make informed decisions.
