Plant Health Care
“The concept of Plant Health Care (PHC) was developed in the 1980s as an enhancement of maintenance and management practices for landscape professionals. Plant Health Care evolved from the concept of “integrated pest management” (IPM), which has its roots in production agriculture. The predominant goal of IPM is to use a combination of management tactics (mechanical, cultural, biological, chemical, and regulatory) to reduce pest populations or maintain them at non damaging levels.” (J. Llyod & F. Miller, 1997, p. 1) At TreeLine, LLC we utilize the Plant Health Care concept to cultivate an environment that prevents pest and promotes healthy & resilient plants.
Soil Care
What is it?
- Adjustment of soil nutrients
- pH adjustments
- Mimics the tree’s natural environment
Who is it for?
Anyone and everyone, most all of our environments are lacking in proper nutrients for our trees.
Why do I need this?
- Increase drought resistance
- Increase disease and insect resistance
- Induce a healthier root structure and overall healthier canopy
Systemic Insect Treatments
What is it?
Systemic insect treatments refer to any treatment where the insect is controlled by a product that is taken up by the roots and dispersed throughout the plant.
Who is it for?
This treatment is recommended as either an initial treatment to aid a biological control program or as the primary insect control for pests that can not be controlled by biological control.
Why do I need this?
In many cases biological control can be ineffective if the pest population is too high. Thus systemic treatments are used to reduce the pest population to manageable levels.
Biological Controls
What is it?
Use of beneficial insects to control pest populations naturally!
Who is it for?
Anyone who is looking for a natural alternative to traditional pest control.
Why do I need this?
If you have pest insects damaging your plants but the damage is below the action threshold for technical product use.
Bark Beetle Treatments
What are they?
A group of beetles that bore their way into a tree in order to feed and procreate
When to treat for them?
- Trees with active bark beetles
- Trees with recent damage (construction, lightning strike, etc.)
- Trees which are irreplaceable or sentimental
Why do I need this?
Untreated, the tree is likely to decline and potentially die due to damage from the beetles
Phytophthora Treatments
What is it?
A pathogen that causes decay on the outside of the tree
Who is it for?
This treatment is only recommended when the pathogen is present and active along the trunk of the tree
Why do I need this?
If treated early, this disease can be managed to reduce or eliminate further decay
Root Collar Excavation
What is it?
A Root Collar Excavation (RCE) is the process of removing the excess:
-
- Soil
- Mulch
- Root mass from around the root collar of the tree
Who is it for?
- If a tree looks like a telephone pole going into the ground this treatment is needed.
- Trees are meant to flare out at the base if you do not see this then that tree needs an RCE.
Why do I need this?
Buried root collars can cause numerous issues for the tree which can show as branch dieback, wilting, discoloration of the leaves, and several others.
