TREE & SHRUB
HEALTH CARE

Healthy trees have full, vibrant foliage appropriate to the season, strong branch structure, and steady annual growth.

Warning signs of trouble include premature leaf drop, discolored or spotted leaves, dead branches, visible fungus or decay, cracks in the trunk, excessive sap or oozing, and sparse or stunted growth.

Changes in bark texture, unusual insect activity, or leaning can also indicate problems. Many issues are subtle in early stages, which is why professional assessments are valuable.

During a consultation, we'll evaluate overall vigor, check for pests and disease, assess soil conditions, and identify any concerns before they become serious—or confirm that everything looks great.

Northern Michigan trees face several common diseases including oak wilt (a serious fungal disease affecting oak species), apple scab on ornamental and fruit trees, fire blight on apples and pears, various needle cast diseases on conifers, and anthracnose affecting hardwoods. We also see Dutch elm disease, thousand cankers disease, and different types of root rot depending on soil conditions.

Early detection is critical—many of these diseases are manageable when caught early but can be fatal if left untreated. We monitor for symptoms, provide accurate diagnosis, and use Integrated Pest Management strategies to treat and prevent disease while minimizing environmental impact.

We prioritize organic and low-impact solutions whenever possible, using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles that emphasize prevention, monitoring, and targeted intervention.

Our first approach is always improving soil health, promoting tree vigor, and using cultural practices that reduce pest and disease pressure naturally. When treatments are necessary, we start with organic options like horticultural oils, beneficial organisms, and biological controls.

Chemical treatments are used only when needed to save a tree or prevent spread of serious disease—and always applied responsibly according to label directions and best management practices.

We'll always explain your options and our recommendations so you can make informed decisions about your landscape.

Soil remediation can revitalize struggling trees by addressing the root cause of many common problems—poor soil quality. Signs that your trees may benefit from soil remediation include stunted growth, yellowing leaves, premature leaf drop, and increased susceptibility to pests or disease. Our soil remediation process begins with comprehensive soil analysis to identify issues such as compaction, nutrient imbalances, contamination, or inadequate drainage. We then restore soil health through techniques like deep-root fertilization, organic matter incorporation, soil aeration, and microbial inoculation. By rebuilding the soil ecosystem, we give your trees access to the nutrients, water, and oxygen they need to recover and thrive for years to come.

Soil treatment involves improving the physical, chemical, and biological properties of your soil to create optimal growing conditions for trees and shrubs. This can include adding organic amendments, adjusting pH levels, improving drainage, and introducing beneficial microorganisms. Healthy soil is the foundation of tree health—it's where roots absorb water, oxygen, and essential nutrients. In Northern Michigan, compacted soil from construction, nutrient depletion, and poor drainage are common issues that prevent trees from thriving. Our ISA Certified Arborists conduct soil testing to identify deficiencies and develop customized treatment plans that address your landscape's specific needs, helping your trees develop strong root systems and natural resistance to pests and disease.