Author: Burkholder PHC

Plants can add a great deal of value and beauty to a landscape if they are healthy. While plants have the same basic needs, one plant’s health risks may differ entirely from another, even those on the same property. So, what is Plant Health Care? Plant health care is the answer to the complexities and intricacies of keeping various kinds of plant life in the same landscape healthy. By carefully considering each plant’s needs and supplying preventive care, high-value plants can remain healthy and make your landscape vibrant and attractive.

Plant health care is a comprehensive, proactive, and holistic approach to maintaining the health and vitality of all plants on a person’s property. Plants reside close to each other in a landscape, so actions that affect one plant (such as a tree) could affect others (such as a nearby shrub or flower bed). Plant health care specialists use this type of plan as the basis of their services, carefully considering the complexity of the plant life and creating a holistic program that ensures all plants will grow and thrive.

The primary goal of a plant health care program is to foster and maintain the proper environment for all plants on a property, from trees and shrubs to flowers and grasses. Preventive treatment is another core goal, as preventing health issues from occurring is more effective than resolving ones that appear or spring up. Plants are susceptible to many environmental conditions, such as weather, pests, and diseases. Fixing these issues is essential, but plant health care takes an extra step and proactively creates the environment and conditions that prevent problems from occurring in the first place. Below is a before and after comparison of a crape myrtle we treated for aphids. You can see that our efforts brought the plant back to full health.

Plant health care involves various tasks to maintain and promote the health of all plants on a property. Here are a few examples of plant health care tasks:

Soil testing: Testing the soil helps identify any nutrient deficiencies or imbalances and determines the soil’s pH level. This information helps define the appropriate fertilizers and soil amendments needed to support plant growth.

Pest and disease control: Regularly monitoring and identifying pests and diseases can help prevent their spread. Different treatment options, such as organic and chemical treatments, can be used to control pests and diseases.

Pruning and trimming: Proper pruning and trimming techniques can help maintain the health and shape of trees and shrubs, promote new growth, and remove dead or diseased branches.

Water management: Proper watering techniques can help prevent under or over-watering that can stress plants and make them susceptible to disease.

By incorporating these services and more, a plant health care expert can develop a comprehensive program to ensure all plants on a property remain healthy and vibrant.

One of the benefits of plant health care is that your landscape stays beautiful. Plants need to be healthy to maintain their beauty, and they require a comprehensive plan that supports and promotes growth. The holistic and proactive approach also means that professionals can resolve any issues that affect your plants’ health and beauty much sooner, before any long-term damage.

In addition to a more attractive landscape, a plan that ensures your plants are healthy can help make your property more valuable. For example, large, mature trees can add significant value to a property, but the trees need to be healthy and safe to provide that value. A holistic, thorough care plan can keep trees beautiful and healthy throughout their entire life cycles, so your trees can continue to be a good investment, both financially and aesthetically.

Now that you know what plant health care is, are you ready to plan for your landscape and ensure your plants stay healthy and vibrant? Contact Burkholder PHC for a consultation. We offer various services, such as plant growth regulators, pest control, deer deterrents, and soil care. Our specialists have wide experience maintaining landscapes in the Main Line area. To learn more about our services, request a free consultation today.

Trees are an essential part of any landscape, providing shade and other benefits that make them an attractive option for homeowners. However, tree roots need to be healthy and strong for the tree to survive. Root zone invigoration (RZI) is a process that helps ensure the health of trees.

Root zone invigoration (RZI) is a process that helps ensure the health of trees. RZI will improve tree growth and help prevent disease and insect problems. The process can also reduce irrigation requirements by increasing water absorption deep in the soil profile. The process can benefit drought-stricken areas or regions where water use restrictions are in place.

Plants need healthy, biologically active, well-drained, and well-aerated soil to thrive. Unfortunately, most landscape plants are growing in compacted or otherwise unhealthy soil, with little or no pore space for oxygen and water penetration. A tree’s roots absorb water and nutrients so when a tree’s root system is compromised by poor soil conditions, or events like construction work, root zone invigoration is a good solution.

If a tree’s roots lack depth or strength, the tree may be unable to withstand adverse weather conditions. A shallow root system could mean that a tree will lack the proper stability to remain upright during high winds, for example.

A healthy root system is essential for good health overall. Roots are responsible for absorbing water and nutrients from the soil, so a tree will struggle to survive if the roots are damaged, compacted, or broken off. Damage can occur when construction work occurs in areas where trees grow, such as during road construction near forested areas.

Young trees absorb nutrients from the soil through their roots. As a result, if the soil lacks a particular mineral or nutrient, the tree can have difficulty growing correctly and developing into a healthy adult tree.

Without enough carbon dioxide (CO2), trees are unable to produce the sugars needed for energy and growth. If CO2 levels are too low, leaves will become pale green or yellowish-green instead of dark green and chlorophyll-rich. In addition, the tips of branches may turn brown due to a lack of photosynthesis. Eventually, these branches can die off altogether, leaving bare trunks without leaves.

Burkholder PHC root zone invigoration makes use of an air spade. This spade directs compressed air to break apart heavy, compacted soil, without damaging the root system of the plants. Performing root zone invigoration effectively and safely requires knowledge of arboriculture and experience, so hiring a certified arborist is recommended if your trees need root zone invigoration.

Root zone invigoration helps to decompact thick clay soil and adds pore space for adequate water and air. Root-zone invigoration can be utilized on established trees as well as in preparation for new plantings, and gives the opportunity to amend the soil with nutrients, rich compost, and soil conditioners.

Our plant health care experts may treat trees with RZI after disturbances like erosion, soil removal, or construction work so the trees can continue to uptake needed water and nutrients.

For preferred and high-value plants or those that are beginning to show signs of decline, root-zone invigoration is the most beneficial service that you can give them. If you believe that your trees need root zone invigoration, send us an email or give us a call. Burkholder PHC has a team of experienced, qualified arborists who will visit your property, conduct a plant health care evaluation, diagnose the problems, and inform you of the recommended treatment options. In addition, we provide a proactive approach to maintain your trees’ health and appearance. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is a popular ornamental plant used in landscapes across the east coast of the United States. Native to Japan, the plant was introduced into the United States in 1875 and has since become one of the most highly invasive plants in temperate regions worldwide. The Japanese barberry invasive plant’s ability to grow under various conditions makes controlling the effects difficult.

Size: The shrub is compact and dense, rarely exceeding 4 feet in height. The brown, spiny branches will also touch the ground.

Flowers: The flowers are pale yellow and often have around six petals each.

Fruit: Berries are glossy bright red to orange-red. Each berry is also around 1/4 to just under 1/2 inch long.

Leaves: Japanese barberry leaves are distinctly spoon or spatula-shaped with smooth edges. The leaves typically have a thick, leathery, and bright green appearance but can have some red or purple coloring and are 1 inch or less long.

Stem: The exterior of the stem is grooved and rusty brown with single spines, while the inner bark is bright yellow.

One of the reasons the Japanese barberry invasive plant causes damage is that the shrub is a host for several human diseases, including Lyme disease. Bites from the black-legged or deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) transmit the disease, making Lyme disease a common vector-borne illness in the United States. In humans, early symptoms of this disease include rash, fever, headaches, and tiredness. If untreated, symptoms may also include joint pains, severe headaches, or heart palpitations.

The microclimate of Japanese barberry is favored by ticks, because it protects them from temperature and humidity fluctuations as opposed to relatively taller and thinner native vegetation. In addition, the relatively low stature of barberry plants provides plenty of opportunities for ticks to come in contact with humans.

One of the reasons Japanese barberry has been highly invasive is due to a high tolerance for shade. The plant can tolerate high or low amounts of sunlight and even dry conditions. This has made Japanese barberry particularly troublesome in urban or suburban areas where large trees provide valuable shade and create environments where the invasive plant thrives. In addition, the plant has few natural predators, as deer prefer to feed on other plants. The result is that the plant is able to spread quickly and thrive in various environments.

The Japanese barberry invasive plant has caused so much harm to landscapes and people that the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture designated the plant as a noxious weed. As a result, Japanese barberry cannot be legally sold or cultivated in the state. The ban was implemented in October 2021 and penalties are rolling out to nurseries or other landscaping businesses that sell the plant. As a result, property owners should not buy Japanese barberry for their landscapes and should contact a plant health care expert to have the invasive plant removed from their property if necessary.

If you have Japanese barberry on your property, you can work with plant health care professionals to remove it. Be aware that the seed of this species also remains viable in the soil for up to 10 years. As a

result, removal must be followed by at least two or three years of follow-up monitoring and control. In addition, seeds germinate in early spring and grow quickly. The seeds can be challenging to remove via mechanical means because the seeds often grow in dense stands in which individual plants are inaccessible.

Sprouting from stolons (horizontal shoots) or roots is another problem that may occur after removal efforts have been completed. Work with a professional to carefully monitor and control these sprouts.

The Japanese barberry invasive plant poses risks to human health. As a result, we recommend a professional evaluation to help remove the plant and control any adverse effects. Our evaluation is free, and proper treatments can restore your landscape’s health. Contact Burkholder PHC today for a free consultation.

Mr. Wright has extensive knowledge and practice in the field of plant health care, beginning with a degree from the University of Massachusetts in agroecology. Mr. Wright’s experience includes

• serving for 8 years as the field coordinator of the University of Massachusetts Tree Fruit Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program
• developing and testing biologically based management techniques for key native and invasive pests of tree fruit with the Insect Behavior and Ecology Program at the Appalachian Fruit Research Station with USDA-Agricultural Research Service in West Virginia
• authoring and co-authoring over 80 research and extension publications, focusing on integration of biological, cultural, and chemical management of tree health
• working with Bartlett Tree Experts in Dublin, Pennsylvania as a Plant Health Care Specialist, Arborist Representative, and Local Office Manager
• working as Plant Health Care manager for Burkholder PHC in Malvern, PA

See Burkholder Plant Health Care 2022 Discoveries and Achievements

Burkholder Plant Health Care is a sister company to Burkholder Landscape, a local company that has been a full-service landscape designer caring for plants and landscapes since 1996. The company has a staff of plant specialists that is educated, trained, experienced, and certified to manage all insect and disease pests, soil chemistry, and plant physiological problems to deliver genuine, lasting results. Burkholder PHC’s program emphasizes proper diagnosis and precise treatment, along with state-of-the-art, research-backed methods and equipment. The team strives to maintain a close relationship of open and reliable communication with all clients, building partnerships that will promote the development of beautiful, long-lasting, healthy landscapes. For more information about recent plant health care discoveries or the company, visit their website at https://www.burkholderphc.com/ or call 610-426-1662.

Deer are a common sight in Pennsylvania, and residents enjoy seeing deer. However, their presence can be a problem for homeowners, as deer cause damage to gardens and trees. Deer create different types of damage depending on their behavior in a residential area. This article will give you examples of deer damage to trees with photos to help you identify the problems.

One example of deer damage to trees is antler-rub. A deer rubs their antlers on a tree because the rubbing is a form of communication. Antler-rub is a way for deer to mark territory and attract mates and is done during winter. The antlers are covered with a velvet-like substance (a soft tissue that grows from the bone) during this time, and rubbing removes the velvet to make way for a new cover in spring. In addition, bucks use their antlers to push apart tree branches as they walk through them and rub against trees to create scratch marks, called “horizontal forehead marks.” If a buck has no other way to communicate his presence in an area, he will make these marks on trees using his antlers as tools.

Below are images of what antler-rub looks like:

In these images, the tree bark has been scratched away due to antler-rub, leaving the stem exposed. Specifically, the cambium, the layer that resides between the inner and outer bark, is exposed after antler-rub. Cambium helps nutrients move throughout trees. So, when the layer is exposed, weather, pests, and diseases can harm the tree.

To mitigate antler-rub, we can apply a stem guard on trees. Stem guards are metal or plastic sleeves or wraps that encircle tree trunks to keep them safe from antler-rub without restricting the tree in other ways. If a deer rubs their antlers on a tree with a guard, the guard blocks the antlers from making contact with the bark, preserving the tree’s health and inner layers, as seen in the images below.

Deer have a diverse diet and are herbivores, which means that deer damage to trees can be extensive and affect other plants in your yard. Some deer eat plants, including leaves, twigs, the bark of trees, flowers, fruits, and seeds. Their feeding habits vary depending on what is available at the time, but the damage caused is generally consistent. As deer eat plants in residential neighborhoods, they tear grass and are constantly stomping and compacting soil, looking for food. This is “browsing,” and you can see the aftermath of this behavior in the images below.

If you want to prevent deer damage to trees on your property, contact Burkholder PHC. Our team has experience helping homeowners protect their yards from deer and other pests and diseases. In addition, our plant health care team is highly knowledgeable about all aspects of plant health care issues and solutions. We will work with you, inspecting your property to determine the ideal solutions to keep your plants healthy and beautiful. Contact us today to see how we can help you.

During the winter, while the tree leaves have fallen and the colors of your backyard may seem to have faded away, a complex world of plant life awaits spring’s arrival. Ensuring robust plant health throughout these months requires specialized care. Winter plant health care services are essential for keeping your plants vibrant and healthy for spring.

Horticulture is characterized by fluctuating seasons and plant metabolisms, where quality soil is a constant vitality force. In winter, a well-nourished soil bed with a prudent blend of nutrients, such as nitrogen and potassium, guarantees healthier, more robust plants equipped to endure winter climates.

As part of our soil amendment services, we use soil test kits to analyze nutrient composition. Once the testing is complete, our team reviews the results to ascertain the type and number of amendments necessary for each landscape.

Regarding the specific amendments, our team uses specific fertilizers during the fall and winter to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy plant growth. These fertilizers ensure that essential macro and micronutrients are available for absorption and storage, vital for the initial spring growth period.

Doing so will promote healthy growth, protect against insect and disease infestations, and help your plants and trees endure harsh environmental conditions throughout the year.

During fall and winter, the prospect of damage to your plant life from deer feeding and antler rubs heightens because food becomes scarcer in their natural environments. Such activities severely threaten the health and growth of your plants. However, some methods can prevent such damage through the judicious use of deer repellents, effectively mitigating or eliminating the risks posed by deer activity. These methods are selectively used depending on the deer-related problems your landscape is facing:

• Antler-Rub Damage: Metal or plastic trunk sleeves can protect newly planted trees from antler rubbing in winter. Odor deterrents can also deter deer from unprotected trees.
• Feeding or Browse Damage: We use area and contact repellents to protect plants from deer feeding on them during dormancy. Area repellents create a boundary around a property or bed to prevent deer from entering. Contact repellents change the taste and texture of the plant, making them less desirable to deer. Over time, this helps deer learn to avoid protected plants.

The period between December and February presents a suitable time for homeowners and arborists to undertake the crucial dormant and structural pruning process. This process is a carefully orchestrated measure to optimize trees’ and shrubs’ health, appearance, and longevity.

• Dormant pruning entails the removal of dead, diseased, or damaged branches while the tree or shrub is dormant, both to prevent the spread of pests and diseases and reduce stress on the plant.
• Structural pruning focuses on making specific pruning cuts to shape the plant for proper growth and development. This includes eliminating crossing or rubbing branches, which can create wounds and provide entry points for pests and diseases.

By performing these specific winter plant health care services, arborists can redirect the plant’s energy to the most vigorous branches, thus encouraging healthy growth. In addition, dormant and structural pruning enhances light and air penetration, which is critical for the plant’s overall health and vitality. Pruning also offers an opportunity to eliminate unwanted growth or deadwood, which can detract from the plant’s aesthetic appeal.

Removing trees and shrubs is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution, particularly during winter, when weather conditions can be challenging. However, removing trees and shrubs becomes necessary in certain situations, such as disease infestations or safety threats.

The removal process begins with thoroughly inspecting the site to determine which trees or shrubs need to be cut down and removed and how large each is. We then use various tools to remove the tree or shrub, including chainsaws, telescoping poles, and buckets. Once the trees or shrubs have been removed, we use specialized equipment like stump grinders to smooth out the area.

An important note is to seek professional advice before any DIY work. Removing shrubs and trees is complex and challenging, especially if trees are close to other structures like houses or power lines. Our team of professionals is available to provide guidance and advice on tree and shrub removal so you can make an informed decision that is right for you.

During the winter season, trees are prone to experiencing water loss, commonly called tree desiccation. This phenomenon occurs when the rate of water loss exceeds the tree’s capacity to absorb water, ultimately leading to tree damage or death. To prevent this, we provide anti-desiccant and anti-transpirant treatments that act as protective barriers against water loss. We meticulously administer these treatments to mitigate winter stress, promote enduring plant health, and reduce the risk of tree damage or death.

Burkholder PHC offers comprehensive winter plant health care services to maintain the natural rhythm of your garden’s life cycle. Our experts are committed to sustaining the health and vibrancy of your green spaces. We invite you to entrust the care of your garden to us to ensure its vitality and longevity. Contact Burkholder PHC to discuss how we can provide our expertise and services to help you maintain the health of your garden throughout the winter season.

Evergreen trees are at the forefront of this holiday season, and we do get a lot of questions about browning in conifers at this time of the year, especially pines, cypresses, junipers, and cedars. Most of the time, this is caused by seasonal needle drop, which is not damaging at all, but can be alarming. If you have concerns about the late-season condition of your evergreens, give us a call! Regularly inspecting the tree for any signs of discoloration, wilting, or unusual growth patterns can help you detect problems early. , Below we explore the symptoms and causes of 4 evergreen tree diseases.

Evergreen trees are susceptible to a fungal disease called Rhizosphaera Needle Cast. This disease can cause coniferous trees to lose their needles prematurely, turning them brown before they fall off. If left untreated, the symptoms can worsen, leading to severe defoliation and even tree death.

• Discoloration: Infected needles may turn yellow or brown, starting from the lower branches and gradually moving up the tree.
• Tri-colored girdled needles: Needles may have green, brown, and yellow sections, with the brown area strangling the needle.
• Pycnidia: Tiny black fruiting structures that reproduce spores.
• Thinning foliage: The tree starts to lose needles, leading to a visually sparse appearance. In severe cases, branch dieback can occur, where entire branches wither and die.

Rhizosphaera Needle Cast is caused by the Rhizosphaera fungus and can spread rapidly if left untreated. The fungus spreads through the release of spores from fruiting bodies. These spores can be transferred to other trees and plants, leading to further infection. To prevent the spread of Rhizosphaera Needle Cast, thorough inspection of foliage and careful removal of infected branches is required.

Cytospora canker is a highly destructive fungal disease that affects evergreen trees and is known to infect weakened trees. The fungus enters the tree through wounds, causing the bark to crack and ooze a resin-like substance. The infection can spread rapidly, causing the branches to die off and eventually killing the entire tree if left untreated.

• Lower branch dieback: Infected trees often exhibit a gradual decline in the health and vitality of their lower branches. These branches may show signs of wilting, turn brown or gray, and eventually die.
• Poor growth: Trees affected by Cytospora Canker may appear stunted or have reduced vigor compared to healthy trees. The result is thin, sparse foliage and a general lack of vitality.
• Needle discoloration: Faded or brown needles are common signs of this fungal disease. The needles may lose their vibrant green color and become discolored or brown. This symptom is often more noticeable in older needles than new growth.
• Resin: Sticky, amber-colored resin may appear to ooze from cankers or cracks in the branches, serving as a defense mechanism for the tree.

Cytospora Canker is caused by the fungus Leucostoma kunzei. This fungal infection primarily targets spruce trees. The fungus can spread through different means, such as rain, wind, and insects. When

raindrops hit an infected tree, the fungal spores can be carried by the raindrops to nearby healthy trees, which can cause the disease to spread. Additionally, wind can transport these spores over long distances, affecting a much larger population of spruce trees. Furthermore, insects, including beetles, can carry the spores on their bodies.

Mature spruce trees are prone to contracting Cytospora Canker disease, especially when stressed due to drought or poor care. When a tree lacks sufficient water or proper tree care, that tree becomes more vulnerable to fungal infection. The fungus exploits the tree’s weakened state, resulting in development of Cytospora Cankers.

Cedar Rust Disease is an evergreen tree disease and fungal infection that affects various plants, including cedar trees, junipers, and apple trees.

• Spores: Powdery red or orange spores on the leaves give the infected tree a distinct “rusty” appearance. The spores may appear as small, raised bumps on the leaf surface, often forming in circular patterns.
• Wilting: Infected leaves may turn yellow or brown and become dry and lifeless before dropping from the tree, which can lead to a noticeable thinning of foliage.
• Cankers/Witch’s Brooms: Cankers are sunken or swollen areas on the bark, often accompanied by cracked or discolored wood. “Witch’s brooms” are dense clusters of twigs and branches that form in abnormal shapes resembling a broom.

Cedar rust disease is caused by a rust fungus that thrives in humid and rainy climates. The disease mainly affects evergreen trees and spreads due to environmental factors such as leaf moisture. The moisture provides the ideal environment for the rust fungus to grow and spread.

Fungi belonging to the Gymnosporangium family play a crucial role in developing and transmitting cedar rust disease. The fungus generates spores that can travel long distances through the air, are carried by wind currents, and can easily infect nearby evergreen trees. After landing on susceptible trees, spores penetrate leaves and form orange or rust-colored lesions as visible indicators of infection.

Diplodia Blight is a common fungal disease that affects various types of trees, including pines, spruces, and firs. Caused by the fungus Diplodia pinea, this blight can devastate these trees’ overall health and appearance.

• Stunted needles: Infected trees often exhibit wilted and discolored foliage, which can be easily noticeable. Young needles may turn a tan color but remain attached to the tree.
• Pycnidia: Small, black fruiting structures often found on infected needles, stems, or branches are responsible for spreading the disease by releasing spores.
• Infected branches: Widespread infection can lead to significant tree decline if not treated promptly.
• Cankers: Resinous cankers may form on the tree, creating recessed areas that exude resin. These cankers are visible evidence of the disease’s progression and can cause further damage to the affected tree.

As noted above, Diplodia Blight is a fungal disease caused by Diplodia pinea, an opportunistic pathogen. This pathogen can infect trees through various means and cause significant damage if not appropriately managed. Species such as pines, spruces, and Douglas firs are highly susceptible to this disease, providing an ideal environment for the fungus to establish and spread rapidly.

Environmental conditions are a crucial factor in the rise of infection rates. Diplodia Blight thrives in warm and humid climates, especially during extended periods of rainfall. Moisture accumulating on tree bark creates an ideal environment for the fungus to grow and invade the tissues, ultimately resulting in an infection.

Additionally, wounds or injuries to tree branches and trunks serve as entry points for Diplodia pinea. Mechanical damage caused by improper pruning or accidental injuries can allow the fungal pathogen to invade the tree’s defenses and initiate infection.

Diplodia Blight is more likely to occur in already stressed or weakened trees. Other factors, such as drought, nutrient deficiencies, or insect damage, can make the trees more susceptible to this fungal disease. When the tree’s ability to resist the pathogen is compromised, the likelihood of infection increases.

Are your evergreen trees looking less than healthy? Burkholder PHC is here to help. Our team of certified arborists and plant specialists is well-versed in identifying and treating evergreen tree diseases, staying up-to-date with the latest research, and utilizing the most effective treatment methods. Get a free tree care consultation from Burkholder PHC today.