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Plant Health Care in Newtown Square PA

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Burkholder PHC provides expert plant health care in Newtown Square and surrounding Delaware County communities. From proactive tree care to customized soil care and plant pest management, our team of certified arborists and experienced plant specialists deliver science-based care to protect the health, safety, and beauty of your landscape.

We understand the challenges common across the western suburbs of Philadelphia, like compacted soils, heat stress, deer pressure, and invasive pests. That’s why every client receives a custom plant health care program designed around your property’s conditions and your long-term goals.

About Newtown Square, PA

Newtown Square (ZIP code 19073) is the postal community name most commonly used for Newtown Township in Delaware County, located west of Philadelphia. It’s known for its blend of historic roots, tree-lined neighborhoods, and a growing mix of residential and business development, especially along the West Chester Pike corridor.

Newtown Township’s early growth traces back to the late 1600s, when Quaker settlers established farms and meeting communities across the region. That heritage still shows up today in preserved stone architecture, historic sites, and the mature canopy that gives Newtown Square much of its character.

Landmarks and Things to Do In Newtown Square

Newtown Square offers easy access to some of the region’s most loved green spaces and destinations.

Ridley Creek State Park is a favorite nearby escape, with miles of trails through woodlands and meadows, plus year-round recreation for hikers, runners, and families. For a more modern “village” feel, Ellis Preserve has become a hub for dining, offices, events, and walkable amenities in the heart of Newtown Square.

Golf and local tradition are also part of the area’s identity. Aronimink Golf Club is a standout and has hosted major championship events. And for a dose of local history, the Newtown Square Railroad Museum highlights the community’s rail past and offers a unique outing for kids and train enthusiasts.

Real Estate and Livability

Newtown Square has established neighborhoods with mature trees, generous lots, and a classic Main Line/Delco suburban feel alongside newer townhome and mixed-use development. Many homeowners prioritize long-term curb appeal and safety, especially where large shade trees are a defining feature of the property.

Residents enjoy convenient access to major routes, nearby shopping and dining, and well-regarded schools, making the area a strong fit for families, professionals, and longtime homeowners alike. With so much value tied to landscape appearance and tree canopy, proactive plant health care can protect property value and prevent small issues from turning into major removals or expensive replacements.

Common Plant Problems in Newtown Square

Newtown Square landscapes share some common stressors:

  • Soil compaction and poor drainage (common near driveways, construction areas, and high-traffic lawns)
  • Heat stress and leaf scorch on thin-barked or shade-loving ornamentals during summer spikes
  • Spotted lanternfly pressure on susceptible hosts and stressed ornamentals
  • Scale insects, mites, and borers that target already-stressed trees and shrubs
  • Deer browsing on evergreens, young trees, and flowering shrubs
  • Fungal issues like powdery mildew and leaf spot during humid stretches

We diagnose, then treat with targeted, seasonally timed strategies that improve plant resilience.

Plant Health Care Services in Newtown Square

Our expert services are built around proactive care and long-term plant wellness. Our services include:

Soil Care:  Your soil is the life support system of your landscape. We begin every plant health care program with a thorough soil analysis to test for pH, nutrient deficiencies, and compaction. Based on the results, we apply organic matter, biochar, slow-release fertilizers, and other amendments to rebuild your soil from the ground up.

Weed Management: Invasive weeds can choke out desirable plants and disrupt nutrient cycles. Our programs target weeds at the source—root systems—and use pre-emergent and post-emergent control where needed.

Biological Control: We use biological agents like predatory insects and beneficial fungi to suppress harmful pests and diseases without relying heavily on chemical treatments. This approach helps maintain a healthy ecosystem on your property.

Deer Browse Deterrents:  In wooded areas, deer browsing causes year-round damage to ornamentals, evergreens, and young saplings. We apply safe, effective repellents and recommend planting strategies that reduce deer impact without compromising beauty.

Tree Care Services: From canopy inspections to deep root feeding, our tree surgeons and certified arborists assess the overall health of your trees, focusing on structure, nutrient uptake, and signs of disease. We treat common regional concerns like Anthracnose, scale, and borers.

Pruning: Our expert pruning techniques promote strong structure, remove hazardous limbs, and improve airflow through the canopy—especially vital in older neighborhoods where trees are mature and competing for light and space.

Root Services: We identify issues like root girdling or soil compaction using advanced diagnostics, and we implement air spading, vertical mulching, and soil amendments to encourage healthy root systems.

Tree Supports: Cabling and bracing provide mechanical support to weak or damaged limbs, helping extend the life of valuable trees while minimizing risk to nearby structures.

Growth Regulation:  In tight urban or suburban spaces, excessive growth can be a liability. We offer plant growth regulators (PGRs) for clients looking to manage hedge size, reduce sucker growth, or improve flowering. These also help redirect energy from top growth to root and shoot health.

Cultural Management:  Proper cultural practices are the foundation of strong plant health. We advise clients on optimal watering schedules, mulch usage, seasonal timing, and plant spacing to avoid overcrowding and promote healthy growth.

Plant Pest Management:  The Newtown Square area is known for seasonal outbreaks of aphids, scale, spider mites, bagworms, and more. Our team offers targeted plant pest management plans using low-toxicity treatments, horticultural oils, and mechanical controls when appropriate. We monitor and treat for:

  • Emerald Ash Borer
  • Spotted Lanternfly
  • Japanese Beetles
  • Lace Bugs
  • Needle Cast Disease

Diagnostics:  Our certified arborists use plant tissue testing, soil analysis, canopy inspection, and lab-backed pest identification to get to the root of your problem. From sudden dieback to fungal infections, we provide detailed reports and action plans that go beyond guesswork.

Why Choose Burkholder Plant Health Care?

Burkholder Plant Health Care was founded on the principles of integrated pest management and staffed with credentialed scientists who understand plant pathology, pest biology, and the research behind effective treatments.

Our Scientific Credentials

  • ISA Certified Arborists with decades of combined experience in plant health care
  • Published research scientists: Our plant health care team has authored and co-authored over 80 peer-reviewed and extension publications on integrated pest management and tree health
  • USDA research background: Extensive work with the USDA Agricultural Research Service and cooperating universities developing biologically-based pest management techniques
  • University training in entomology, agroecology and horticulture from programs including University of Massachusetts, Penn State, and Temple University
  • 100% PA licensed commercial applicators meeting all state regulatory requirements
  • Active research: We develop and conduct our own collaborative field trials and stay current with emerging treatment approaches

When you work with Burkholder, you’re working with plant biologists who can explain why a treatment works, not just applicators following a protocol.

set up for treating for Beech Leaf Disease - Burkholder PHC

Expert Plant Health Care

Our plant health care manager Starker manages the entire team of PHC specialists and has a great deal of experience and expertise in plant health care. His history of over 30 years covers a wide variety of skills and experience, including

  • a degree in agroecology from University of Massachusetts, which he earned while acting as the field coordinator of the University of Massachusetts Tree Fruit Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program
  • work with the Insect Behavior and Ecology Program at the Appalachian Fruit Research Station with USDA-Agricultural Research Service in Kearneysville, West Virginia, developing and testing biologically based management techniques for key native and invasive pests of tree fruit
  • work as a Plant Health Care specialist, Arborist Representative, and manager

Starker has authored and co-authored over 80 research and extension publications, focusing on integration of biological, cultural, and chemical management of tree health. He has also made some discoveries in the field while working for Burkholder PHC. With our team and Starker’s over 30 years of experience, you can trust that Burkholder PHC will help ensure that your landscape plants and trees thrive and look beautiful year after year.

See Burkholder PHC Achievements

Trying to choose from the best plant health care companies in Main Line Philadelphia?  Read what some of our clients have to say about working with us!

Frequently Asked Questions About Plant Health Care

Why Is Plant Health Care Important?

The role of plant health care in commercial and residential landscapes is to preserve the landscape’s aesthetics and protect the long-term investment in the property. Most common landscape shrubs and trees will live for 50 years or more with proper care, and in the absence of care, most plants are in a persistent state of decline.

Another one of the frequent questions about plant health care homeowners have is with regards to cost. Managing pests, keeping up with soil chemistry, and maintaining proper structural care is the best way to ensure healthy growth and longevity at a fraction of the cost of replacing plants. In general, the cost of protecting a plant is less than 10% of the cost of replacing it, and each year that plants thrive in the landscape, they become more valuable.

Why is Weed Control Important?

Arborist with face protection spraying plants- FAQs about common invasive weeds - Burkholder PHC

The presence of weeds in ornamental landscapes poses significant challenges, directly impacting the health of preferred plants and diminishing the visual appeal of managed planting beds.

Weeds compete vigorously with desired landscape specimens for essential resources like water, sunlight, and soil nutrients. This competition often results in reduced growth and vigor among desirable plants, limiting their ability to enhance the aesthetic of the landscape.

The negative effects of weed infiltration are particularly pronounced during the initial stages after new landscape plants are installed. Weeds take advantage of the disruption caused by transplanting, quickly establishing themselves and outcompeting newly introduced plants for available resources.

Additionally, many weed species produce chemicals that hinder the root development of ornamental plants. This compounds the competitive advantage of weeds, further impeding the growth and establishment of desired plants.

In summary, the presence of weeds in ornamental landscapes undermines the health of preferred plants and detracts from the overall visual appeal of managed planting beds. Effective weed management strategies are essential to maintain the integrity and attractiveness of ornamental landscapes.

See More Frequently Asked Questions About Plant Health Care

Locations Served

We serve numerous locations along the Main Line, such as Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, Chadds Ford, Chester Springs, and more. Explore our service areas to learn more.

Get Excellent Plant Health Care in Newtown Square PA with Burkholder PHC

Burkholder PHC’s tree and plant health care specialists offer a free consultation We will inspect your trees and plants to determine if there are any problems such as insect infestation, disease, or soil deficiency, and then provide a comprehensive plan for achieving and maintaining the best health for the high value plants and trees in your landscape.

Is your community on our list? If you live in another community nearby, we most likely service your area as well. Contact us today at 484-630-5924 to find out more about our plant health care in Newtown Square or to schedule a consultation.