"That tree was doing so well last year... why is it failing now?"
"What are those creepy-looking bugs
all over my rose bushes?!"
"I heard ladybugs are good for my plant... is this true?"
Plant Health Care (PHC) is a pro-active and comprehensive approach to the management of tree, shrub and lawn health. Inspections and monitoring are at the core of this management approach. Integral’s certified arborists offer seasonal property inspection. Accurate diagnosis and intervention strategies lead the way to affordable solutions to preserve your valuable landscape. Integral Tree and Landscape utilizes organic, traditional and mechanical solutions for insect, disease and environmental problems.
James Cadorette, the founder of Integral Tree and Landscape has a deep connection with the early implementation of the principles of integrated pest management (IPM). Research and experimentation over the past twenty years by our staff has proven useful in developing a holistic approach to tree and shrub problems. When outbreaks of insect and disease occur, it is generally a sign of other complex features of the plant’s health or environment that need to be considered. Our inspections reveal the development of these subtle interactions and allow us insight into possible actions to take.
Insect and Disease Control
Insects and diseases damage plants in a variety of ways. When left unchecked for too long, plants may become weakened beyond the point of saving. Conversely, improper use of pesticides may make the problem worse by eradicating beneficial insects and microorganisms that are helpful to the plant.
Our Plant Health Care group is made up of Certified Arborists and trained technicians who perform a range of treatments. Applications to the above-ground portions of landscape plants with chemical or organic materials that are sprayed or injected may be one means of addressing a problem. Sub-surface treatments may also be necessary. These might include adding nutritive and biological amendments to the soil or at other times replacing an extensive amount of soil.
We offer many organic solutions and we persistently fine-tune our recommendations for the best approach. Organic treatments generally require much monitoring and intensive investigation to confirm results, and we are always keeping an eye out for new methods that will help improve the status of the plants under our care.
However, sometimes a pest becomes well- established and is out of control; at other times, economic constraints do not allow a problem to be addressed organically. It is on these occasions we will recommend using chemical applications as tools for intervention. Each year we aim to use less and less chemically-based treatments.
Common pests in the Hudson Valley include not only the four legged kind such as deer an mice but also six legged varieties of insects like the Hemlock Woolley Adelgid, Emerald Ash Borer, Birch Borer, Ticks and Mosquitoes. Diseases frequently seen are foliar rusts, scab and leaf spot on Fruit Trees; anthracnose of Dogwood, Maples and Sycamores; and a wide range of blights that attack plants from Pachysandra to Rhododendron to Willows.
Fertilization
Fertilization is like a tonic to your plants. Plants require a complex mixture of various nutrients and minerals in order to function properly. Often, plants, trees and shrubs growing outside of their native habitats are deficient in one or more ways. Although nature does an adequate job of providing essential ingredients for trees, shrubs and plants by processing and decomposing native flora and fauna, contemporary property management removes this revitalizing process. In addition, common fertilizers and pesticides (often used in adjacent lawn management) can be harmful to the fine feeder roots of trees and shrubs. Integral will apply the correct fertilizers and soil amendments that properly target a plant’s root system, providing a strong foundation to help plants resist stresses within their environments. Spring, summer and fall are the proper time to feed your trees and shrubs.
Soil Management
The health of soil is the most often overlooked cause of tree and plant problems! Microbial activity within the soil is essential for balanced tree and plant health, vigor and development. Other common causes of tree and plant decline and death are changes to the soil chemistry, soil compaction, soil erosion or excess soil. Our job is to establish soil conditions that foster balanced microbial activity, allowing your plants, trees and shrubs to thrive and flourish.
Planting too deeply and compaction are leading causes of plant decline! Excess soil, which essentially buries the tree, can be removed using an Air-Spade tm. This safe and effective method utilizes super-sonic air to remove soil particles without doing damage to any of the plant roots.
Fruit Trees
Apple, Peach, Pear, Cherry and Plum Fruit Trees can all be successfully grown in the home landscape. Simple insect and disease management using traditional or organic methods can ensure your local harvest. Integral has been successfully caring for Hudson Valley home orchards for many years; spraying in the summer, pruning in the winter and discouraging deer all year round. Consult with one of our Arborists to create an orchard management program.
