Plant Health Care (PHC)
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Plant Health Care (PHC)
Our PHC programs are built on three core principles:
1. Prevention
Healthy trees are far more resistant to insects, disease, and environmental stress. We focus first on:
Improving soil structure and biology
Correcting nutrient imbalances
Managing moisture, compaction, and root health
By addressing site conditions and stress factors early, many common problems can be avoided altogether.
2. Monitoring & Diagnosis
Trees change over time. Regular inspection allows us to:
Track tree vigor and growth trends
Identify early signs of pests, disease, or stress
Site analysis, soil and Tissue Test, Make informed decisions based on biology, seasonality, and site conditions
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of responsible tree care—guesswork has no place in PHC.
3. Treatment by perscription NOT SUBSCRIPTION
When treatment is needed, we apply the right solution, at the right time, in the right way. This may include:
Soil amendments and deep root fertilization
Growth regulators
Integrated pest management (IPM) treatments
Disease suppression or nutrient correction
Treatments are precise and purposeful, never routine or blanket applications
WATER IS THE KEY
Water: The Foundation of Tree Health
“If homeowners watered their trees properly, I would be out of the Plant Health Care business.” (Matthew Tieman, owner and conflicted practicioner)
Many tree issues are not caused by insects or disease, but by water stress—either too little or too much, which leads to secondary stressors.
Healthy trees require the right amount of water, in the right soil conditions. Poor drainage, soil compaction, and improper mulching can prevent water from reaching roots or deprive roots of oxygen. Over-watering can be just as damaging as drought.
As part of our PHC programs, we evaluate soil structure, drainage, compaction, and watering practices to correct problems at the root level—often reducing the need for additional treatments.
Proper Tree Watering: 4 Essentials
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Mulch correctly
Maintain a 2–4 inch mulch ring around the tree to hold moisture, moderate soil temperature, and reduce competition. -
Check soil moisture at depth
Always check moisture 6–8 inches deep, not just at the surface. Soil should be cool and slightly moist before watering again. -
Water slow and deep
Apply water slowly so it penetrates the root zone rather than running off or pooling at the surface. -
Water based on conditions, not the calendar
Adjust watering for tree age, species, soil type, drainage, and weather. Fixed schedules often cause over- or under-watering.
Need help?
We offer custom watering plans tailored to your trees, soil, and site.
Construction Damage to Root Zones is Often Preventable.
Construction is one of the most common causes of long-term tree decline. Equipment traffic, grading, and material storage can compact soil within the root zone, limiting oxygen and water movement and damaging roots—even when no roots are visibly cut.
The damage is often delayed, with trees appearing stable for years before decline shows up as thinning canopies, dieback, pest issues, or failure. By the time symptoms are visible, significant root damage has usually already occurred.
We help before and after construction. We provide guidance to protect root zones and prevent compaction before work begins, and if damage has already occurred, we can assess conditions and implement soil remediation strategies to improve root health and slow or prevent decline.
The Best Plant Health Care Starts With Prevention
The majority of tree health problems begin the day a tree is planted. Issues such as the wrong tree for the site, improper planting, poor watering practices, and incorrect mulching often create long-term stress that no treatment can fully undo.
When homeowners are involved early—and work with a qualified arborist to make informed, long-term decisions—the vast majority of tree health issues can be prevented.
Homeowners can dramatically improve tree health by:
Selecting the right tree for the right location
Ensuring proper planting depth and technique
Establishing correct watering practices from day one
Mulching correctly to protect the root zone
Being proactive rather than reactive with tree care decisions
Preventive care protects your investment, reduces the need for corrective treatments, and sets trees up to thrive for decades—not just seasons.
Why Work With a BCMA-Led Plant Health Care Program
A Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) brings the highest level of training and experience in the arboriculture profession. BCMA-led Plant Health Care programs are grounded in tree biology, soil science, and long-term risk management, not one-size-fits-all treatments. This means your trees receive accurate diagnosis, thoughtful planning, and targeted care based on site conditions and tree response—helping avoid unnecessary treatments while protecting the long-term health, safety, and value of your landscape.
Thank You for Taking the Time to Learn About Plant Health Care
If you’ve taken the time to read through our Plant Health Care philosophy, we truly appreciate your interest and trust. Thoughtful, informed homeowners make the best long-term decisions for their trees.
As a small thank-you, reference the root fertilization photo to the left when you contact us and receive 20% off your next Plant Health Care service.
We look forward to working with you and helping your trees thrive