The best guard against insects and disease is to maintain healthy trees and shrubs. While they are still at risk, healthy, vigorous plants can withstand attack much better than weak and sickly ones. Regular care and attention will keep plants healthy.
The Plant Pro visits each property six times a year, every two months. Each plant is monitored to determine its condition and progress. Insects are anticipated and monitored based on their plant preferences and season of activity. Controls are timed for maximum effectiveness with minimal environmental impact. Root diseases are treated in spring and fall when they are most virulent.
Treatment includes balanced nutrition for steady, moderate growth. Slower growth sustains root development and the plant’s natural defenses which keeps the plant canopy (the visible part of the plant) green and vibrant. When overall development is promoted, the plant is more symmetrical, the structure stronger, and the leaves darker.
Plant Care Program
Monitoring and Inspection:
Regular monitoring is a key to effective plant care. Each bimonthly visit tracks the condition of the plants, the presence of insects or diseases, as well as cultural and maintenance practices. These are noted so that treatment is effective and plant health is sustained.
Integrated Treatments:
Environmentally friendly treatments are based on organic nutrients and disease prevention plus low impact insect control. Nutrients are supplied in moderate amounts with minor nutrients included. Disease treatment is low impact and systemic. It translocates from the leaves to the roots to protect against damaging root rots.
Insects are controlled on an IPM program. Chemicals are applied only when damaging insect populations are present. This practice protects beneficial insects and the environment.
Communication & Information:
Interchange between the Plant Pro and the client is most important. Communication of expectations and practices is vital to achieving results. Much of the success of any program depends on coordination of everyone involved in the landscape. The care of each plant in the landscape can affect the health of every plant in that landscape. Other maintenance programs, cultural practices, irrigation, lawn fertilization, all have a substantial impact on the landscape and the plants being treated by the Plant Pro. The exchange of information among these different providers is essential to the success of any program.
Plant Care Program includes: