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Pest and disease attack in trees is a problem that is most commonly treated with harmful chemicals and pesticides. However, the infestation of pests or diseases is typically a symptom of a larger issue. The health of the tree and its ability to defend itself from infestation are of primary concern. When a tree is stressed, unable to absorb necessary nutrients from the soil, or expending too much of its energy on healing itself from storm damage or vandalism, it leaves the tree susceptible to attack because it does not have the energy or resources to defend itself.
At TREEMASTERS, we prefer to take a preventative approach to dealing with pests and disease. If your tree is strong and healthy because it is receiving sufficient sunlight and water, and drawing plentiful nutrients from the healthy soil around it, it will be much more resistant to pests and diseases and better able to defend itself.
Owner Tad Jacobs is a licensed Qualified Applicator in the state of California. While TREEMASTERS prefers to not use pesticides and chemicals for the treatment of diseases or insect attack, we realize there may be conditions that require their use. Most commonly in Marin County and Northern California, Sudden Oak Death attacks and kills thousands of trees per year. The application of the compound Agri-Fos can help trees defend themselves against this aggressive tree pathogen that otherwise would be removed.
For more information on how Sudden Oak Death is affecting Marin County, please read this recent article by the Point Reyes Light about the impact of SOD.
Another blight affecting the trees of Northern California is a disease known as Pine Pitch Canker. This fungus has affected thousands of Monterey pine trees along the California coast, although it has not limited itself to Monterey pines exclusively. It has also been found in Bishop pines, Knobcone pines, Torrey pines, and Italian Stone pines, among others. Trees affected by this disease will typically show signs of infection with the dying of branch tips and browning needles, and eventually sunken cankers appear on the trunk of the tree that seep a yellowish resin.
Pine Pitch Canker is spread most rapidly through boring insects such as bark, twig, and cone beetles that carry the disease from one tree to another. Because it is a fungus, the spores will also become airborn and be carried by the wind. There is no known cure for Pine Pitch Canker, although there are treatments to remediate boring beetle infestations if they are present. These treatments help prevent the spread of the disease throughout the tree.
For more information on Pine Pitch Canker and its potential effects on your trees, please visit the Pine Pitch Canker Task Force, or read this article from Ranchandcountry.com.
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A TREEMASTERS I.S.A. Certified Arborist can help you develop a comprehensive plan for preventing pests and disease in your trees. If you believe you have an infestation, TREEMASTERS will assist you in the remediation of the problem and the careful planning for the health of the tree.
To schedule an appointment, please call our office or Request A Free Tree Care Estimate.
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Pest And Disease Control F.A.Q.
Q: Can Disease Or Insects Be Spread From One Tree To Another?
A: Any tree that is weak or stressed is susceptible to attack by pests or diseases. It stands to reason that if one tree is infested, the surrounding trees might be in danger of being attacked as well. Any infested tree should be treated or removed immediately in order to prevent the spread of the pests or diseases to other trees. However, surrounding trees should be inspected as well to make sure they are strong and able to defend themselves. Dirty tools, such as chainsaws or pole-saws can also contribute to the spread of pathogens. For this reason, TREEMASTERS cleans and disinfects all of our tools between jobs and at the end of each work day to prevent the contamination of healthy trees.
Q: What Causes Trees To Contract Diseases Or Attract Harmful Insects?
A: Trees are left vulnerable to attack by disease and pests because they are stressed or weak and unable to defend themselves. If a tree is not receiving sufficient sunlight, water, or soil nutrients, or is recovering from damage or vandalism, it may not have the energy to defend itself against an attack.
Q: How Do I Keep My Trees From Attracting Pests And Contracting Diseases?
A: The best way to prevent pests and diseases is to ensure that your tree is receiving everything it needs to produce food, grow, and remain healthy. TREEMASTERS can assess the condition of your soil, tree and foliage to make sure it is healthy and make recommendations to help prevent against attack.
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“ Providing great care and attention to the One Tree we are working on at that moment.”
Phone: 415-455-9933 Fax: 415-455-9934 Email: Treemail@Treemasters.com
3175 Kerner Blvd. San Rafael, CA 94901
Marin County | San Rafael | Novato | Mill Valley | Corte Madera | Larkspur | Tiburon | Belvedere | Ross | Kentfield | San Anselmo | Fairfax | Stinson Beach | Bolinas | Pt. Reyes Station | San Francisco | Richmond
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