Plant Health Care

Trees, like humans and pets, sometimes suffer from injury and illness caused by abiotic (non-biological) and biotic stressors. You'll find general information here about some of the pests, pathogens, and abiotic stressors that we treat for in trees and shrubs. However, please contact us to connect with one of our consulting arborists, who can comprehensively evaluate your tree or shrub, and recommend options for effective science-based management.

Emerald Ash Borer

Now is the time to protect healthy ash trees against this invasive insect.  All ash species are susceptible to EAB-caused mortality.  Our treatments protect ash trees for at least two years without the use of plastic plugs at the treatment injection sites.

Dutch Elm Disease (DED)

Caused by an invasive, non-native fungal pathogen, DED is lethal to most native elm trees.. It arrived in the United States in the 1930s, and is well-established in Vermont.  Our arborists can assess your elm trees and recommend management, including fungicide treatment.

Bronze Birch Borer (BBB)

A native insect pest of birch trees throughout the US and Canada, BBB attacks several varieties of birch. Birches that are already weakened are particularly susceptible to attack.  We can help your birch tree maintain resistance to BBB, and apply a pesticide to protect it when necessary.

Magnolia Scale

The largest soft scale insect native to the US, for much of the year Magnolia Scale is protected by an outer covering as adults and only move during their juvenile “crawler” stage. Magnolia scales don’t move much, but feed on the sap and cell fluids of magnolia trees.  

Girdling roots & compacted soil

Although they are mostly not visible, the structure and condition of your tree’s roots are enormously important to the overall health and longevity of your tree.  We have the expertise and tools to ameliorate many root issues including compacted soils, girdling roots and buried root collars.

Poor Soil Quality

By mimicking the nutrient and water cycles of forests and restoring biological partnerships, we can help your trees live long, healthy lives.

Spongy Moth

This invasive insect was introduced into the US over 150 years ago. It feeds on a wide range of tree and plant species and it causes major defoliation in Vermont’s forest, rural and urban areas during periodic population eruptions.  We are ready and able to protect your trees and limit impacts to your property from Spongy Moth.

Aphids & Spider Mites

Common spring and summer pests that feed on plants’ sap and cell contents. These can be especially problematic if your tree is already diseased, stressed, or very young. We can help identify and control aphids and spider mites when they threaten your plants’ health.

Elongate Hemlock Scale (EHS)

EHS prefers hemlock, spruce and fir trees, but will also feed on other needle-leaved evergreens. It is a relatively new invasive pest, currently known to occur in southeastern Vermont.  We can help optimize the health of your evergreens and protect them against attack by EHS.

Bacteria, Fungi & Viruses

Infectious, disease-causing pathogens that may be particularly harmful to plants during wet seasons.  With proper pruning, care and treatments we can help your plants defend themselves and recover from these infections.

Beech Leaf Disease (BLD)

BLD is caused by an invasive nematode that infects ornamental and native beech tree species. It is often, but not always, fatal to the infected tree. We can identify signs and symptoms of BLD and recommend appropriate management for your tree.

Elm Zigzag Sawfly (EZS)

Another invasive, non-native insect, EZS was first found in Vermont in August 2023.  EZS targets and feeds on elm trees exclusively.  Our arborists will be in the vanguard implementing best practices currently under development to limit the impact of EZS on our trees and forests.

Spotted Lanternfly (SLF)

Another non-native, invasive insect in the United States. SLF are a threat to woody species including apples, cherries, maples, oaks, pines, poplars, walnuts, and willows. There are no known established lanternfly populations in Vermont as of January 2024.