Treatments - Pests & Disease

Tree Health Care

Starting with a discussion about your vision and connection to your trees in the landscape,

we plan the appropriate tree health care program for you.

IPS Spruce engraver beetles

This may be the most destructive insect on the front range at this time. Attacking spruce trees causing dieback from the top down resulting in death quickly. Normally this insect attacks drought stressed mature trees but has become so prolific most spruce trees are now in danger of infection. IPS is very widespread at this point and in most neighborhoods.

Treatment is highly recommend for most spruce. Trunk injection is the most effective treatment method at this time.

Fireblight

Fireblight is a bacterial disease which attacks some species in the Rosaceae family including apples, pears, crabapples, and hawthorns. It is extremely hard to control or predict. It appears as browning of twigs or branches, bark discoloration, and curling of the ends of branches. Annual treatment with a phosphate product or bactericide can be effective in controlling infections. Growth regulators also help prevent the movement of the disease through the tree. Pruning may be necessary to remove infected wood in more severe cases.

Treat in early spring to help prevent severe cases.

Emerald Ash Borer, EAB

EAB is an extremely destructive insect that has been held in check with the help of homeowners and municipalities treatments of Ash trees, and Colorados extreme weather. EAB is still spreading, only slower than anticipated, and kills any Ash tree infected without treatment. Trunk injection with emamectin benzoate is the recommended treatment method lasting 3 years with an efficacy rate close to 100%. This treatment also controls most of the other beetles that infect ash.

Treatment is highly recommended for all Ash trees.

Fungal Diseases

There are several Fungal diseases: Cytospora, Phytophthora, and Thyronectria are common problems on the front range. Disease can be difficult to control often requiring chemical treatments in combination with pruning.