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Trunk injections

Trunk injections

Trunk injection is a precise and effective method used to deliver treatments directly into a tree’s vascular system. By injecting specific nutrients, fertilizers, or pest management solutions through small ports in the trunk, this technique enables rapid uptake and targeted distribution throughout the tree. Trunk injections are especially valuable for managing diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and certain insect infestations, while minimizing environmental impact compared to traditional spraying. This service is performed with care by certified arborists to ensure the health and safety of your valuable trees.

Ganoderma

Ganoderma

Ganoderma is a genus of wood-decaying fungi that poses a significant threat to many tree species. Characterized by its distinctive shelf-like fruiting bodies, commonly referred to as “conks,” Ganoderma infects the heartwood and root systems, leading to internal decay and structural instability. Infection by Ganoderma often goes unnoticed until advanced stages, as symptoms typically emerge only after considerable internal damage has occurred.
This fungus can cause root rot and trunk rot, compromising a tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients, and substantially increasing the risk of tree failure. There is no effective cure for Ganoderma once a tree is infected, so proactive management, such as maintaining tree health and removing infected wood, is essential for prevention. Early diagnosis and expert evaluation by a certified arborist are critical to mitigating risks and preserving landscape safety.

Bark beetle damage

Bark Beetle Damage

Bark beetle damage is a serious concern for trees, particularly in stressed or weakened landscapes. These small insects bore into the bark of trees, creating intricate galleries as they feed and lay eggs. The larvae further tunnel through the inner bark, disrupting the flow of water and nutrients and eventually leading to dieback, canopy thinning, and often the death of the tree.
Characteristic signs of bark beetle infestation include small entry holes in the bark, fine sawdust-like frass at the base, pitch tubes (resin masses), and discoloration or premature needle drop. As beetle populations multiply, widespread infestations can result, causing extensive damage within forests, landscapes, and urban environments. Early detection and intervention by a certified arborist are critical for effective management and prevention of further losses.

Glassy Winged Sharpshooter

Glassy Winged Sharpshooter

The Glassy Winged Sharpshooter (Homalodisca vitripennis) is a large, leafhopper-type insect known for its considerable impact on agriculture and ornamental landscapes. Notorious for its role as a vector of the plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa, this pest poses a significant threat to trees, vines, and a wide range of crops. The sharpshooter feeds on plant fluids by piercing stems and leaves, which can cause direct physical damage such as leaf stippling, wilting, and stunted growth.
Most concerning, however, is its ability to transmit diseases—especially Pierce’s disease, which is fatal to grapevines and harmful to many other plant species. Signs of infestation may include yellowing or browning leaves, scorched foliage, and reduced plant vigor. Early identification and professional management are essential to mitigate the impact of the Glassy-winged Sharpshooter and safeguard the long-term health of susceptible plants.

Dotted Parospine Leaf Beetle

Dotted Parospine Leaf Beetle

The Dotted Paropsine Leaf Beetle (Paropsis atomaria) is an invasive insect pest that primarily targets eucalyptus and other broad-leaved trees. This beetle is recognized by its oval shape and distinctive mottled appearance, with small spots covering its pale yellow or brown body. Larvae and adults feed on foliage, resulting in significant leaf damage, defoliation, and weakened tree health, especially when populations are high or trees are already stressed.
Severe infestations can lead to reduced growth, branch dieback, and an increased vulnerability to secondary pests and diseases. Monitoring for feeding damage, presence of adults, and larvae is vital for early detection and management. Professional intervention and integrated pest management strategies help minimize the impact of this pest and promote the long-term health of affected trees.

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Armillariella mellea

Armillaria, commonly known as Armillaria root rot or “honey fungus,” is a group of destructive soil-borne fungi that infect the roots and lower stems of a wide variety of trees and woody plants. Initial infection often occurs through direct root contact, with the fungus spreading via underground rhizomorphs (root-like structures). Armillaria causes root decay, leading to reduced water and nutrient uptake, gradual decline in tree vigor, canopy thinning, branch dieback, and, in severe cases, tree death.

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Characteristic signs include the presence of white mycelial fans beneath the bark, honey-colored mushrooms at the base of affected trees, and black, shoestring-like rhizomorphs in the soil. Susceptibility increases in stressed or weakened trees, and there is currently no effective cure once infection is established. Proactive management focuses on maintaining tree health, improving soil conditions, and removing severely infected hosts to help limit the spread of this damaging pathogen.