Plant Health Care
Plant Health Care is a proactive, science-based approach to managing the long-term health of your trees. Rather than reacting to problems after they've taken hold, PHC focuses on regular monitoring, early detection, and targeted treatment to address the underlying causes of the symptoms. The result is more effective treatment, fewer unnecessary applications, and trees that are better equipped to handle the pests, diseases, and environmental stresses that are part of life in an urban environment.
PHC Services
Pest and Disease Management
Before recommending anything, we assess the tree in the field and identify pests, pathogens, and environmental stressors. When field assessment isn't enough to reach a confident conclusion, we have relationships with labs that can provide a detailed analysis. After we have a clear diagnosis, we prioritize solutions that are both highly effective and targeted in their impact, including trunk injections, biological controls, and biorational products.
Prescription Fertilization
Urban trees rarely grow in ideal soil conditions. Compaction, construction disturbance, and depleted organic matter are common in the Portland metro area and directly affect how well a tree can take up nutrients. We assess site and soil conditions before recommending a fertilization program, and apply nutrients in forms and quantities matched to what the tree actually needs.
Plant Growth Regulators
Plant Growth Regulators
PGRs can be a valuable tool for managing tree size, reducing pruning frequency, and improving stress tolerance. We may recommend them as part of an integrated care program for trees in constrained spaces, established landscapes, and recovery situations if the site and conditions are a good fit.
Monitoring Programs
Regular site visits to track pest populations, detect emerging issues, and time treatments for maximum effectiveness. Monitoring reduces unnecessary applications by ensuring treatment decisions are based on actual conditions rather than assumptions.
Regional Threats
Several invasive pests have recently started to establish in the region. Keeping current on emerging threats, their spread, and the latest treatment strategies enables us to provide the most effective care available.
Emerald Ash Borer
EAB has been confirmed in Oregon since 2022 and is spreading through the Portland metro area. Every ash tree in the region is now considered at risk, and the decision of whether to treat or remove comes down to the tree's condition, location, and value to the property. High value trees are good candidates for preventive trunk injections, which are most effective when started before the pest arrives at your site. For lower value trees, planning for removal and replacement may be the more practical long-term path.
Mediterranean Oak Borer
The Mediterranean Oak Borer is an emerging threat to Oregon's red oaks, and populations have been expanding in the Portland metro area. The beetle targets stressed trees, making overall tree health the first line of defense. Trunk injections show potential for reducing damage risk and are being actively studied, though conclusive treatment protocols are still developing. Regular monitoring and proactive health management are currently the most reliable tools for keeping your oaks resilient against this pest.
Japanese Beetle
Japanese Beetle has been confirmed in Portland, and populations are expected to grow following the Oregon Department of Agriculture's recent discontinuation of its eradication program. A wide range of trees and shrubs are susceptible, with heavy infestations capable of causing significant defoliation. Monitoring is the most practical first step to determine whether treatment is warranted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about plant health care.
Related Services
Pruning
Good pruning requires equal parts care and capability. Our arborists assess each tree before touching it, and bring the technical skill and experience to handle whatever the job requires.
Learn moreRoot & Soil Care
Urban trees endure tough soil conditions. Compaction, depleted organic matter, and disrupted soil biology are some of the most common causes of tree decline. We treat the root of the problem, not just the symptoms.
Learn moreReady to get started?
If your trees aren't performing the way they should, or you want to get ahead of potential problems before they develop, we'd be glad to take a look.