Plant Health Care

Proper water is one of the most impactful influences on overall tree health. A tree that is without adequate water is a tree that is stressed and less able to combat disease and pests. This is especially true of our spruce trees, which transpire lots of water and are currently fighting the spruce bark beetles. Overwatering is possible, but in many residential areas, well-draining soil is the norm. A good soaking water, a couple of times per week, is one of the easiest, cheapest things you can to do help a tree’s health.

Compacted soils, which are prevalent in many lawns, prevent adequate air and water penetration within the root zone. Additionally, many soils in residential areas are lacking sufficient nutrients. Vertical mulching helps alleviate these issues by aerating the soil and adding various amendments to promote root growth. Scientific studies of the efficacy of this technique are limited, but there is significant anecdotal evidence suggesting that in the right situations trees benefit significantly. We are working on collecting our own evidence in Alaska.

Some tree pests are best suppressed through pesticides. The method we have chosen to use for the delivery of these chemicals is trunk injections. We believe this method is the most environmentally friendly way of applying pesticides. Some of the pests that can be suppressed are; Spruce Bark Beetles, Aphids, Leaf Rollers, Saw Flys, and Leaf Miners. You can find more information about Spruce Bark Beetles here, or contact us to discuss your concerns.

Corporate campuses, condo associations, and residential homeowners all want the best for their trees. We work with our clients to review and help establish their goals, assess the current conditions of the trees on the property, and make suggestions for short and long-term success. Our scope can include soil analysis, watering practices, pest management, planting practices, and pruning schedules, among others.

Chokecherries, also known as Mayday or European Bird Cherry (Prunus padus) and Canada Red’s (Prunus virginiana) were brought to Alaska as landscape trees hardy enough to withstand the harsh winters. Unfortunately, these species spread incredibly well via self-propagation and animal dispersal. Native species like willow, wild rose, and birch are displaced in their spread. While eradication may not be possible in Anchorage due to the extent of the spread, it is possible in the other regions of Southcentral Alaska. We take some joy in removing these trees when we are called upon to do so. There are a couple of methods for reducing the likelihood of their return, including the application of herbicide and stump grinding. Feel free to reach out for more information on how to mitigate their spread. Our resources tab has a couple of good links.