An Integrated Approach
Bartlett Tree Experts uses an integrated approach to managing insects and diseases that begins with maintaining plant health using sound cultural practices including pruning and creating optimal soil conditions for plant growth. Periodic inspections are essential to detect pest infestations before they reach damaging levels. Bartlett arborists are trained to recognize beneficial insects that will help naturally suppress pest populations, and we also release beneficials to augment existing populations. When treatments are necessary, Bartlett can apply organic and naturally based materials and reduced-risk products that provide effective pest suppression while protecting people and the environment.
Top-10 Insects
Hundreds of insect species damage leaves, stems, and branches; roots; and flowers and fruit of landscape plants. But not all insects on trees and shrubs are damaging. Some are beneficial and may help pollinate flowers or could be predators or parasites on insects that damage plants. Bartlett arborists are trained to correctly identify these beneficial insects and mites and can devise effective management programs that protect landscape plants from serious damage while conserving beneficial organisms.
Top ten insect and arthropod pests that threaten or damage landscape plants in the northeastern United States:
- Hemlock wooly adelgid
- Winter moths
- Japanese beetles
- Asian long-horned beetles
- Ambrosia beetles
- Southern pine beetles
- Emerald ash borer and other flat-headed borers including bronze birch borer and two-lined chestnut borer
- Weevils
- Spider mites
- Scale insects
Top-10 Diseases
Diseases are abnormalities in trees and shrubs caused by microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria and by environmental stress such as drought, temperature extremes, and air pollution. Diseases are often difficult to diagnosis as different causal agents can produce similar symptoms. Accurate diagnosis is essential to developing effective treatment programs. Bartlett operates a modern diagnostic laboratory to support pest management services to ensure accurate identification and treatment of plant problems.
Top ten diseases that threaten or damage landscape plants in the northeastern United States:
- Bacterial leaf scorch
- Phytophthora root rot
- Dutch elm disease
- Leaf spot diseases
- Anthracnose
- Needlecast
- Verticillium wilt
- Fire blight
- Bleeding canker and Phytophthora canker
- Powdery mildew
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- I have a 25 to 30 foot red oak that appears to have iron chlorosis. It has deteriorated over the last two years, and about a 1/4 of it has not leafed out this year. I'm very concerned about losing it, but am having difficulty finding someone knowledgeable to look at it.
- My snowball tree is being eaten badly by something. The leaves look like spider webs, I am thinking caterpillars but I don't see any. It's looking dreadful and I am wondering if its worth saving?
- There is a web-type coating on the limbs of one of our Valley Oak trees. It looks like a sleeve of webbing, thin and solid, starting at the trunk and going up several limbs. We have four trees spread out, and only one has this issue. It has been there for about two weeks and is starting to get less. What might it be, and is it bad for the tree?
- My magnolia tree has scale. What can be done?
- I lost one of my pear trees last year and now this year I seem to be losing another The leaves start to turn yellow and they get black on the tips. I thought it might be fire blight, but I do not notice any cankers. Any help would be appreciated.
- My magnolia tree has a secretion. The secretion attracts mostly black wasps, but other insects are also attracted to it. The tree appears to be dying a slow death. The secretion catches fire when exposed to a lit match. The secretion stains anything it falls on. The secretion is sticky to the touch. Can you diagnose the problem and recommend a remedy?
- My tree is in terrible shape. The leaves have what looks like a lot of black mold on them. One side of the tree has lost all of its leaves. My landscaper planted this tree last year and I'm wondering if the sprinkler is watering it too much. This tree looks like it could die.
- My Hemlock Tree is losing foliage. The branches are bare of needles, except for top of tree. There is new growth but bare branches still remain. Can the tree be salvaged?
- I have a ten year old lemon tree. Recently, the tree is experiencing yellowing of leaves and a lot of early leaf drop. I get flood irrigation twice a month and fertilize it with citrus fertilizer three times per year. What is happening to this tree?
- We recently had our maple tree pruned. It now has spots all over the leaves. Can you tell me what is causing this and what treatment options there are?
- What is your expertise regarding the Emerald Ash borer infestation?
- My jatropa tree has rust and sticky white stuff attached to the leaves and branches. Also, the blooms and leaves are shriveled. What can I do to save this tree?
- Is Arborbiotic injected into the root collar or trunk flair? I understand that Arborbiotic injections may not completely control fire blight on a Callery 'Redspire' pear (Pyrus calleryana) even with a fertilization program using Forti Phite plus calcium and the tree will need to be injected every year. I also understand the branches that are infected with fire blight will need to be pruned six inches back from the infection and pruning tools sterilized after each pruning cut.
- I have apple and pear trees. Every year I get worms in my fruit, no matter the spray or schedule and the labels on the sprays are confusing. What can I do?
- Are black tar spots on maple leaves harmful to the maple tree?
- A Colorado Blue Spruce is suffering from some type of blight. Can the problem be determined and treated during the winter?
- How would you eliminate bag worms before they hatch this Spring?
- Are stinkbugs attracted to maple trees?
- What type of treatment do can you provide for boxwoods that are infected with leafminers?
- I've been seeing many wooly adelgid on my hemlock trees. What is the recommended treatment for this?
- I have an American elm tree in my yard, Valley Forge I think, and I want to have it looked at to make sure it's okay and there is no Dutch Elm Disease on the horizon.
- Can slime flux or wetwood kill a tree?
- Bartlett treated two Maple trees in my front yard for Phytophthora Canker. The treatment was a spray treatment on what surface area that could easily be reached. Later that day we had a rain shower (less than two hours after the spray was applied) and the next day we had a big rain. Was the treatment washed away with the rain?
- I have a mature Bartlett Pear tree. While close to it today, I noticed that there are hundreds and hundreds of lined holes in the bark. The tree still appears very healthy and I'd like to preserve it and wondering if there's anything I can do to save it. Also, I'd like a professional to prune my trees this fall, and afterwards annually.
- Squirrels are stripping branches off my sugar maple tree. One side is very thin now. How can I stop them? Do I need to cover the trunk in metal or is there a better way?
- Do arborivitae trees attract stinkbugs? If so, when is the best time to spray for them?
- Is there a practical solution to squirrels stripping bark from pine trees?
- I have two large trees with mistletoe and wanted to know have to deal with removing them.
- My dog is eating the bark off of one of my trees. I am sure this is bad for the tree, and will allow insect damage to occur. What steps should I take?
- Our Hemlocks were treated for Wooly Adelgid last spring. A ground injection was used. I had thought the injections would protect the trees for seven years straight. Am I wrong about this? How often do they need to be treated?
- What is the preferred treatment for hemlock woolly adelgid?
- What should be done about tall evergreens that are infected with orange gelatinous globs?
- What should be done about a Yoshino Cherry with Shot Hole Disease?
- Are earwigs in an otherwise healthy looking tree a problem?
- How should fire blight in an ornamental pear tree be managed?