Plant Health Care in Radnor PA

Burkholder Plant Health Care brings decades of expertise to the landscapes of Radnor, PA, and the wider Main Line area. Our team of certified arborists, tree surgeons, and plant specialists provide comprehensive services to safeguard the health and beauty of your trees, shrubs, and lawns. From lawn care services to soil care and plant pest management, our tailored solutions for plant health care in Radnor PA cater to the specific challenges of this unique region.

Radnor is a historic township located in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, about 13 miles northwest of Center City Philadelphia. Part of the renowned Philadelphia Main Line suburbs, Radnor combines suburban tranquility with access to the city’s economic and cultural hubs via major roadways and the SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale rail line.

The township encompasses several residential neighborhoods, educational institutions, and commercial districts, and is primarily located in the 19087 zip code, with some areas overlapping into 19010 (Bryn Mawr) and 19085 (Villanova). Its central location makes Radnor a desirable home base for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

Radnor Township traces its roots to the late 1600s, when Welsh Quakers established one of the original “Welsh Tract” settlements in the region. The Radnor Friends Meetinghouse, built in 1717, remains a testament to the area’s colonial religious and civic life. Another landmark, St. David’s Episcopal Church, founded in 1715, is one of the oldest churches in continuous use in Pennsylvania and reflects Radnor’s deep colonial heritage. During the American Revolution, the township served as a strategic outpost, and many of its historic structures date back to that era.

Landmarks and Attractions

Radnor blends historical charm with natural beauty and cultural amenities. Notable attractions within the township include:

• Radnor Trail: A 2.4-mile paved trail following the former Philadelphia & Western Railroad corridor, ideal for walking, biking, and jogging. It winds through wooded areas and neighborhoods and includes historical markers along the way.
• Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden: Located within Radnor Township in Villanova, Stoneleigh is a 42-acre public garden that features native plantings, sustainable landscaping, and historic estate features. Managed by Natural Lands, it is a model for ecological design and preservation.

Real Estate and Livability

Radnor is renowned for its upscale homes, top-tier public and private schools, and proximity to Philadelphia while maintaining a suburban, village-like atmosphere. As part of the Philadelphia Main Line, the township offers a blend of historic properties and modern developments, attracting families, professionals, and retirees seeking both tranquility and convenience. The strong sense of community and access to nearby cultural, recreational, and educational resources contribute to Radnor’s high quality of life.

Radnor Township shares many of the plant health challenges found across the broader Main Line and Chester County region. Understanding these threats is the first step toward effective protection and proactive care.

• Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) is an invasive condition affecting both native American beech (Fagus grandifolia) and ornamental varieties.
• Caused by the microscopic nematode Litylenchus crenatae ssp. mccannii, BLD produces distinctive dark banding on leaves, which eventually leads to canopy thinning, leaf loss, and often tree mortality within 2–10 years, depending on age and condition.
• BLD has now been confirmed in all 67 counties of Pennsylvania, including the Radnor vicinity, making it a present and escalating concern.

• The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a metallic green invasive beetle that continues to devastate ash tree populations throughout Pennsylvania. All native ash species are considered susceptible.
• Signs of infestation include D-shaped exit holes, serpentine larval galleries, canopy dieback, epicormic sprouting, and bark splitting. Without treatment or removal, ash trees typically decline over 2–5 years.

Residents of Radnor should also be aware of other typical plant health threats in the region:

• Oak wilt, bacterial leaf scorch, anthracnose, and Verticillium wilt affect oaks, maples, and other hardwoods.
• Scale insects, aphids, and fungal pathogens (like powdery mildew and leaf spot) commonly affect ornamentals, dogwoods, and shrubs.
• Additional threats include gypsy moths, hemlock woolly adelgid, and other defoliators impacting tree vigor.

Radnor’s suburban landscape adds its own challenges:

• Soil compaction from foot traffic and construction inhibits root development and increases drought susceptibility.
• Nutrient depletion or poor soil structure in older neighborhoods can weaken trees over time.
• Deer browsing continues to damage young trees and foundation plantings.
• Local trees sometimes experience increased storm stress due to heavy rain, ice, or wind events common to southeastern Pennsylvania.

Our plant health care (PHC) and arborist teams deliver proactive strategies designed for Radnor’s specific risks:

• BLD monitoring and treatment
• Professional EAB assessments and treatment
• Integrated pest management for insect and fungal threats
• Soil restoration, compaction mitigation, and targeted nutrition plans
• Deer-repellent strategies

If you want to safeguard your trees and landscape assets, we can help. Our tailored plant health care in Radnor PA by certified professionals includes monitoring, diagnosing, and preserving your valuable plant life year-round.

In addition to plant health care in Radnor, we offer services in numerous locations along the Main Line, such as Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, Chadds Ford, Chester Springs, and more. Explore our service areas to learn more.

Our plant health care manager, Starker, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every landscape in Radnor. With over 30 years of experience, he leads our team of PHC specialists in delivering top-notch plant care that integrates science and nature.

Starker’s impressive background includes:

• Earning a degree in agroecology from the University of Massachusetts while serving as the field coordinator for the University’s Tree Fruit Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program
• Contributing to the Insect Behavior and Ecology Program at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service’s Appalachian Fruit Research Station in West Virginia, where he developed and tested innovative management techniques for both native and invasive tree fruit pests
• Working extensively as a Plant Health Care Specialist, Certified Arborist, and manager, blending hands-on expertise with a deep understanding of plant biology and pest dynamics

Starker has authored and co-authored over 80 research and extension publications, focusing on the integration of biological, cultural, and chemical methods for maintaining tree and plant health. His fieldwork with Burkholder PHC has even led to new insights and techniques in plant health care.

With Starker’s guidance and our experienced team of plant specialists, you can trust Burkholder PHC to protect and nurture your Radnor landscape, keeping it healthy, vibrant, and beautiful year after year.

At Burkholder PHC, our team of tree and plant health care experts offers a complimentary consultation. We’ll assess your trees and plants to identify any issues such as pest infestations, diseases, or soil imbalances, and then develop a detailed plan to restore and maintain the health of your landscape’s valuable trees and shrubs.

Wondering if we service your area? If you live in or near Radnor, there’s a good chance we do! Contact us today to learn more about our plant health care in RadnorPA, or to schedule your consultation.