Author: Burkholder PHC

Privet is a shrub brought to North America by European settlers around the mid-1800s, who planted them as ornamental plants. While many subspecies of privets exist, the 4 main ones found in Pennsylvania are Chinese privet, European privet, Japanese privet, and border privet. Over time, plant health care experts have identified these as privet invasive species. The damage caused by these plants includes crowding out native plants and reducing biodiversity.

These 4 specific varieties of privet mentioned above have all been added to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Noxious Weeds list. As such, these privet invasive species will no longer be available for purchase in nurseries and other flower shops, and homeowners are encouraged to replace any of these species on their properties with different plants. Here is what you need to know about these 4 species.

Chinese privet is native to China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The fast-growing shrub can grow up to 15 feet in height, forming dense thickets. The leaves are around 1-3 inches long and glossy dark green, and the leaves appear early in spring before the white flowers appear in mid-to-late summer (June through August). The fruits are black drupes with hard shells containing one seed each. These ripen in the fall and persist on the plant throughout winter until removed by birds or other animals.

European privet is native to central and southern Europe. This species, with glossy dark green leaves, can grow anywhere from 12-15 feet tall. In the spring, European privet produces white flowers, and in the fall, black fruits poisonous to humans. In addition, the flowers have a strong, pungent fragrance that many people find unpleasant.

Japanese privet is native to central and southern Japan. This species is an evergreen shrub, a small tree that can grow anywhere from 7-16 feet tall with a spread of 10-15 feet. The leaves are broad and glossy dark green above, with a paler glaucous to yellow-green color below, and have a thick, leathery texture. White flowers appear in the early summer followed by purple-black fruits in early winter.

The border privet is native to Japan, Korea, and northeastern China. Border privet is a deciduous shrub that grows to 9-10 feet tall with glossy leaves that can be 1/2 to 2 inches long. The white flowers appear in early summer, and black fruits follow in late summer or fall.

These species of privet are found throughout landscapes in Pennsylvania, but because the plant is not native to this region, privets have no natural predators or competitors. Due to this lack of natural predators, privets can more easily outcompete native vegetation for sunlight, nutrients, and water.

Privets reproduce sexually (by seeds) and asexually (by sprouting new shoots from their roots). This allows them to spread quickly through disturbed soil created by fires, forest clearings, erosion, or abandoned agricultural land.

Finally, privet trees proliferate quickly, often reaching maturity within five years after germination. Many other plants take 10-20 years before reaching maturity.

The damage caused by privets is widespread in the United States. These species cause damage to landscapes and native ecosystems, preventing native plants from growing and reducing populations of pollinators such as butterflies and honeybees.

Treating and managing privets is best done by professionals with specialized equipment.

• Individual, small privets can be pulled by hand and can be done year-round. An important note is that roots must be removed entirely from the ground to prevent resprouting. Larger stems require specialized equipment that a plant health care expert can access.
• Mowing can be an effective treatment and control method, but an herbicide application to the cut surfaces must follow. In addition, the time after cutting to apply herbicide changes based on whether the herbicide is oil- or water-based.
• Foliar herbicide treatments are also highly effective for treating landscapes with privets, especially with low to moderate plant densities. These treatments are ideal during mid-May to early fall.
• Basal bark treatments are effective against privets and can be applied throughout the year.

As always, these control and treatment options require specialized, extensive knowledge of plant health care techniques. So, call a plant health care expert if you need help with privets in your landscape.

These 4 varieties of privets are invasive species, and can overtake landscapes, with their dense thickets preventing native plant species from growing. To keep your landscape healthy and able to thrive, we recommend a professional evaluation to help remove and control any adverse effects. Our evaluation is free, and the proper treatments can help improve the health of your landscape. Contact Burkholder PHC today for a free consultation.

Spring is here, and weeds are sure to follow, posing a significant challenge to the health and aesthetics of Main Line landscapes. Weeds in Main Line landscapes can damage plants and reduce aesthetic appeal. These weed species easily outcompete landscape plants for water, light, and soil nutrients, especially young ones that are newly transplanted. In addition, many weed species produce allelopathic chemicals that disturb the root growth of ornamental plants, compounding the above-ground competitive advantage of fast-growing weeds.

Burkholder PHC is well-equipped to address these challenges with our expertise in plant health care, tree services, soil care, and cultural management. In this post, we will discuss five of the most common and damaging weeds homeowners in the Main Line area of Pennsylvania may encounter in their landscapes.

• Identification: During the spring, this perennial weed usually starts with a leafy ground-level floret that can grow up to a foot in diameter. By mid-summer, Canada Thistle will grow into a tall, erect flowering stem reaching up to 5 feet. The root system can be extensive and grow several feet deep into the ground.
• Impact: Canada thistle outcompetes ornamental plants by aggressively depleting soil nutrients and moisture, making the soil conditions inhospitable to preferred plants. In addition, this species produces allelopathic roots that further inhibit the growth of surrounding plants, compromising the landscape’s aesthetic and health.
• Control: Burkholder PHC employs a combination of manual removal (digging or hand-pulling), low-toxicity treatments like vinegar or salt solutions, and conventional chemical controls while prioritizing soil health to suppress this invasive weed.

• Identification: When the soil temperature reaches between 55-58°F, two of the most common crabgrass varieties – smooth and large crabgrass – begin germinating. Crabgrass is an aggressive weed that proliferates and can produce up to 150,000 seeds per plant, making this species a persistent weed in Main Line landscapes.
• Impact: Crabgrass can overgrow and form dense mats that monopolize the resources required by other plants, leading to stunted growth or even death. These mats can cause soil compaction, poor water drainage, and erosion. Additionally, crabgrass overgrowth can damage the soil structure, making it harder for desirable plants to take root and grow.
• Control: Strategies our team implements include manual removal, especially before seed production, and the application of preemergent herbicides. Burkholder PHC integrates these methods with soil care to manage crabgrass effectively.

Identification: Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is a biennial herbaceous plant from Europe and Asia. During the first year of growth, garlic mustard leaves are rounder and take on a rosette formation at ground level. In the second year, the leaves grow up a flowering stem, becoming more triangular and heart-shaped with toothed edges.

Impact: Garlic mustard is a harmful plant that damages ecosystems by restricting the growth of other native plants. The weed spreads quickly by releasing seeds in the wind and outcompetes native species for nutrients and sunlight, negatively affecting insects and tree composition.

Control: Hand-pulling methods must remove at least the upper half of the root to prevent new stalks. Manual removal is best done in spring before seed formation and continued for up to 5 years. Low-toxicity materials like vinegar, salt, citric acid, or iron HEDTA can speed up manual control. Herbicides can control garlic mustard but pose a risk to surrounding plants.

Identification: Japanese stiltgrass is a fast-spreading invasive plant that thrives in areas with high soil moisture and partial to full shade. A single plant can produce 1,000 seeds annually, remaining in the soil for up to 5 years and germinating quickly upon disturbance.

Impact: Japanese stiltgrass is an invasive species that can replace native vegetation and is one of many weeds in Main Line landscapes that damages aesthetic value. The weed alters soil chemistry, depleting available carbon and increasing phosphorus, leading to zinc, iron, and calcium nutrient deficiencies. The plant also thrives in soil pH levels that are higher than the optimal levels for most plants.

Control: Hand-pulling before seed formation and continuing for up to five years can deplete any established seed bank in the soil. Low-toxicity materials like vinegar, salt solution, citric acid, or iron HEDTA can help. Conventional herbicides work well but may cause damage to other plants. We recommend having a licensed commercial applicator for short-term herbicide use, followed by a sustainable, integrated weed management plan. We may suggest specific herbicides for larger infestations.

Identification: Lesser celandine has dark green, kidney-shaped leaves and a quick spring emergence. This weed grows low typically, spreading along the ground to take over landscape beds. Early spring emergence is triggered by increased light, and the shoots usually begin to appear from late March to mid-April, depending on environmental conditions. The flowering of lesser celandine depends on water availability and rainfall. Although some plants produce seeds, the most spread is achieved through fertile bulblets on plant stems and masses of loose tubers at the root crown.

Impact: Lesser celandine emerges earlier than most natives, and can harm the growth and reproduction of other spring flowers. The weed is toxic to pets and livestock, especially the yellow flowers, which contain high levels of protoanemonin. If left to spread, lesser celandine can damage the beauty of ornamental landscape beds.

Control: Manual removal of plants and tubers, careful use of low-toxicity treatments, and strategic herbicide application are part of Burkholder PHC’s integrated approach to managing lesser celandine.

Burkholder PHC can help you restore the beauty of your property by managing the weeds in Main Line landscapes. Our team offers free estimates and has extensive experience in plant health care. We provide customized solutions tailored to your needs and use safe and effective methods to ensure your landscape remains healthy. Contact us today to reclaim your beautiful outdoor spaces.

Callery pear trees (Pyrus calleryana), native to China and Vietnam, have been popular ornamental trees for almost 200 years. These trees were introduced to the United States in the 1800s and are often planted along streets and sidewalks because of their attractive form and coloration. This species is also known for its disease resistance (particularly fire blight resistance.) However, Callery pear tree is an invasive species, so much so that nurseries will no longer be allowed to sell the plant in Pennsylvania in 2024.

Callery pear has a distinctive appearance with crucial aspects that can help homeowners and plant health care experts quickly identify the plant.

• Size: Callery Pear trees typically grow to around 16 to 26 ft tall, or approximately 5 to 8 meters, often with a conical to rounded crown.
• Leaves: The leaves are oval-shaped and about 1-1⁄2 to 3 inches long, with a dark green color in early spring before the leaves turn yellow, orange, or red in the fall.
• Flowers: The flowers are white and grow in clusters, have about five petals, and are about 3⁄4 to 1 inch in diameter.
• Fruits: The fruits of the Callery pear are small, less than 3⁄8 of an inch in diameter. In addition, the fruits have a rugged, almost woody feel but are softened by frost, after which birds readily consume them.

Callery pear trees are invasive plants in many parts of the country and have damaged the landscapes and gardens of Pennsylvania homeowners. One of the significant reasons Callery pears cause so much damage is how the trees grow. These trees form dense thickets which displace native plants and animals. The dense thickets push out native trees or other plants that may compete with the Callery pear for water, soil, and space.

In addition, some cultivars (a type of cultivated plant that people have selected for desired traits), such as the ‘Bradford pear,’ are susceptible to storm damage, becoming disfigured or killed by strong winds and winter weather. So there is also a risk of the branches falling during strong winds and storms and damaging other things around the tree, like property or people.

Like other species of plants we have discussed in this series, Callery pear has many qualities that enable the tree to spread quickly. One primary reason is the fruits discussed previously. The tree species produce large quantities of fruits that birds consume, and then those birds fly and relocate to new areas, passing the seeds in droppings into the soil, allowing new Callery pear trees to grow.

What makes Callery pear unique among the other invasive plant species we have talked about is the role of cultivars in spreading its population. Cultivars were initially bred to produce sterile fruit. However, different varieties can cross-pollinate, which results in viable seeds. When these cultivars grow close enough to each other to cross-pollinate, the trees produce fertile seeds that can sprout once dispersed.

Callery pear can be challenging to control, but some methods exist for managing or removing the population from a landscape.

• Small plants and their roots can be removed by hand, but larger trees require more extensive removal with specialized equipment, and herbicide application must be used as a follow-up.
• Foliar herbicide applications can be done from around mid-May to early-mid October. These foliar treatments are ideal for landscapes with a low to moderate density of trees, which are less than 10 feet tall.
• Basal bark treatments can be applied to the stems of a Callery pear tree throughout the year, with some exceptions (particularly during snow or rainy weather.)

As always, these control and treatment options require specialized, extensive knowledge of plant health care techniques. So call a plant health care expert if you need help with Callery pear in your landscape.

The Callery pear tree invasive plant can overtake landscapes, and its dense thickets prevent native plant species from growing. To keep your landscape and native species healthy and able to thrive, we recommend a professional evaluation to help remove the plant and control any adverse effects. Our evaluation is free, and the proper treatments can help improve the health of your landscape. Contact Burkholder PHC today for a free consultation.

Japanese Maple Scale (Lopholeucaspis japonica) is a formidable pest that poses a significant challenge to homeowners. Belonging to the family Diaspididae, the Japanese Maple Scale has spread throughout the United States, infesting many host trees and causing substantial damage if left untreated. This pest requires vigilance and proactive management. By understanding the life cycle and having plant health care professionals implement effective control measures, homeowners can mitigate the damage caused by this persistent insect pest.

The mature female covers of the Japanese Maple Scale are oyster shell-shaped, measuring less than ⅛” (3 mm) in length. Adult females are purple, but covered by a dark brown shed exoskeleton with a thin white coating. The male covers of this insect are similar in appearance but smaller in size and have a slightly more elongated shape.

One of the key features to look out for when identifying the Japanese Maple Scale is the color of the young scales, or crawlers. These tiny young scales are purple and can be found in the bark cracks of infested trees, as the scales can often be wedged into these crevices.

The life cycle of the Japanese Maple Scale consists of three distinct stages: egg, immature, and adult. Understanding this life cycle is necessary for effectively managing scale populations and preventing damage to host trees.

The life cycle begins with the tiny eggs laid by adult female scales. These eggs are typically deposited beneath the protective waxy cover and are difficult to spot without close inspection. After incubation, the eggs hatch, releasing the immature nymphs known as crawlers.

These crawlers are the mobile stage of the scale and can quickly spread to other parts of infested trees or adjacent healthy plants. As the crawlers feed on plant sap, they go through several molting stages called instars, gradually growing larger and developing a protective shell-like covering, known as a “test.”

Once the final instar is reached, the immature nymphs transition into the adult stage, where the cycle repeats.

Japanese Maple Scale can wreak havoc on trees, causing significant damage and leading to a gradual decline in their health. These troublesome insects feed on the sap of trees, robbing them of essential nutrients and energy. As a result, the affected trees often experience twig and branch dieback, making the foliage sparse and thin.

The damage caused by the Japanese Maple Scale manifests as a bumpy white texture on the branches of heavily infested trees. The scales create this white, waxy covering during feeding and reproduction. The presence of this distinctive texture is a clear indicator of a scale infestation.

Over time the affected tree may lose vigor and become more susceptible to other stresses and diseases. Thinning foliage, early leaf drop, and twig and branch dieback are often observed as the scale populations increase and spread throughout the tree.

Japanese Maple Scale is known to attack a wide range of host plants. Some of the most commonly affected ones include dogwoods, elms, maples, magnolias, and lilacs. These plants, belonging to various plant families, are highly susceptible to infestations by the Japanese Maple Scale.

Effective integrated pest management of the Japanese maple scale is crucial for the health and vitality of infested trees. Controlling the Japanese Maple Scale can be challenging due to the quick development of their waxy coating.

Armored scales, like the Japanese Maple Scale, are named for the hard, waxy cover that protects the insect. This armor can prevent some traditional contact insecticides from penetrating and effectively controlling the scale populations. However, several treatment options can help manage this insect pest.
For light infestations, pruning out infested branches can be effective.

In cases of heavy infestations, removal could be necessary to prevent spreading to healthy trees. However, some treatment methods can manage scale infestations.

Systemic insecticides absorbed by the plant’s vascular system can provide long-term control by targeting the scales at various life cycle stages. This treatment option can be applied as a foliar spray to coat the leaves or as a bark spray to protect the plant from the inside out.

Horticultural oil is a treatment practice that works by suffocating the scales and is most effective during the crawler stage when the waxy coating is still developing. The oil must be applied thoroughly, covering both the tops and undersides of the leaves and the branches of the infested trees. Horticultural oil applications can also work when applied in late fall because the oil dissolves the waxy coating and exposes the scale to cold weather conditions.

Biological control methods, such as parasitoid wasps and other natural enemies, can also be employed. These beneficial insects prey on scales, helping to keep their populations in check.

Implementing proper cultural practices can help reduce the risk of scale infestation. Good irrigation and mulching techniques promote the overall health of the plants, making them more resistant to infestations. Consistent watering and mulching can also prevent stress and minimize the risk of scale outbreaks.

Inspecting new plant material before introducing plants to a garden is crucial in preventing the spread of the Japanese Maple Scale. By carefully examining new plants for signs of infestation, such as adult scales or crawler activity, you can avoid introducing scale-infested plants to your garden.

If you are concerned about the presence of the Japanese Maple Scale on your property, contact Burkholder PHC for expert advice and treatment options. Our team of highly experienced, qualified plant health care experts provides a free evaluation of your landscape to help remove and control invasive species and their adverse effects. Contact Burkholder PHC 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.

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.

The Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a stunning deciduous tree renowned for exceptional beauty and early bloom. With a growth habit that is typically multi-branched and spreading, the Eastern Redbud forms a graceful, rounded crown that reaches 20 to 30 feet with a spread of 25 to 35 feet. This tree, with heart-shaped leaves that emerge as red-tinged green leaves before maturing to deep green, lends an enchanting touch to any landscape. To help you maintain the beauty of this tree, we will explore different elements of Eastern Redbud plant health care.

During early spring (around April or early May), the Eastern Redbud produces many small, delicate flowers that emerge directly on the branches and trunk, creating a magnificent display of color. The flowers vary in color from shades of pink and magenta to white. As the flowers fade, the Eastern Redbud produces small, flattened seed pods that mature in fall and persist through winter, providing visual interest and attracting wildlife.

Aside from its mesmerizing display of foliage and flowers, the Eastern Redbud boasts an attractive and distinctive bark characterized by a smooth, grey-brown surface that often develops shallow fissures and ridges with age. This unique bark adds to the tree’s visual appeal and creates contrast in the landscape.

These beautiful trees, valued for their vibrant pink or purple flowers, are susceptible to health issues impacting their vitality and longevity. By recognizing and effectively managing these issues, homeowners can ensure the health and beauty of their Eastern Redbuds for years to come.

Proper planting and soil care are important for Eastern Redbud plant health care. Prepare the soil with a well-draining and organic matter-rich mixture, and consult with a certified arborist to test the soil pH. Provide adequate irrigation and deep watering for newly planted trees. Adding mulch around the tree’s base can help maintain a healthy growth environment, but mulch should not be piled directly against the trunk to prevent disease and pests.

Cultural and environmental management for Eastern Redbud trees promotes healthy growth and prevents pest infestation. Follow these practices:

• Plant in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Maintain well-drained, moist soil to prevent root rot and other water-related diseases.
• Avoid excessive fertilization, and use a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring.

Effective pest and disease management is crucial for maintaining the health and longevity of Eastern Redbud trees. By proactively addressing these issues, homeowners can ensure their trees remain vibrant and flourishing.

Eastern Redbuds are susceptible to a range of common pests and diseases. Here are some of the pests that can affect Eastern Redbud and what issues each of them causes:

Leafcutter Bees: Leafcutter Bees cut semi-circular sections from leaf margins, leading to chewed leaves. These pests can be deterred by removing infested leaves and providing alternative nesting materials.

Redbud Leafroller: Redbud Leafrollers are tiny caterpillars that cause leaf curling or cupping, yellow/brown leaves, or dead leaf spots. Redbud Leafrollers can be controlled by pruning and removing affected branches.

Tent Caterpillar: Tent caterpillars can lead to defoliation, the widespread loss of leaves on a tree or plant. Our team can control these pests with targeted sprays, by pruning infected branches, or by introducing organic controls.

Lecanium Scale, Botryosphaeria canker, leaf spot, verticillium wilt, and dieback are other common ailments that can impact Eastern Redbud trees. Burkholder PHC can manage these issues through various methods, such as pruning infected branches, improving soil drainage, and providing adequate air circulation.

Redbud trees require strategic pruning to maintain their health and appearance. By removing excessive branches or thinning out crowded areas, tree care experts can redirect the tree’s growth to optimize its health and appearance.

Plant care experts can also help homeowners manage tree size and shape through proper pruning. Removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches helps prevent infection and maintain tree integrity. Selective thinning improves air circulation and promotes the growth of healthy branches. Proper pruning preserves tree health, increases sunlight penetration and enhances natural beauty.

Professional plant health care is essential for Eastern Redbuds to thrive and enhance the aesthetics of your landscape. Our team at Burkholder PHC offers comprehensive landscape and Eastern Redbud plant health care solutions that promote longevity and vitality. From soil analysis and care to pest management, we offer a range of tree care services with a meticulous approach to ensure the best care for your high value plants and trees. Contact us today for more information.