TREES, SHRUBS & PLant care

Setting action thresholds or determining at what population levels action needs to be taken against a pest. This will vary based on the plant/pest combination as well as aesthetic considerations of the plant and its place in the landscape.

Monitoring and identifying pests on plants. Since not all insects are a threat to a plant’s health, proper identification is vital to ensuring no unnecessary control measures are taken.

Prevention of pest infestations is the first line of defense. We may recommend changes in cultural practices such as pruning or even replacing certain plants to reduce pest problems.

When control measures are needed, we will use the least risky method that will control the pest in question. This could be mechanically removing something like a tent caterpillar nest or perhaps treating with a targeted pesticide that acts only on a given type of pest or stage of life cycle so that beneficial organisms are not impacted. Broadcast use of non-specific pesticides is a last resort.