TruGreen and Trees
Recently we have had a half-dozen calls asking us for a second opinion on a clients Tree health because TruGreen had told them the trees were infested with insects and needed to be chemically sprayed.
I examined two properties and another ISA Certified Arborist went to two other locations and did thorough examinations. In each case, the maximum we found was one to two scale insects and older bore holes.
Chemical companies are supposed to be in compliance with what is called IPM or Integrated Pest Management. This is environmentally conscious application of not advising clients to kill everything in the yard but exercise discretion by setting a Pest Threshold; the amount of pest that actually present a problem. We are not trying to kill everything in the yard, that amount of chemical destroys beneficial insects and actually creates a situation of dependence on chemicals.
Scale is equivalent to a tree having a cold, one or two scale insects is barely a sneeze. Bore holes remain for years after the larvae is gone. Please be aware of this sales strategy that uses fear to try and manipulate people into doing what is not actually the best thing for our trees.
Hi, I have such a question. I need to make a lawn aeration, but 6 young apple trees also grow on the lawn, can the aeration machine damage the root system of young trees? A neighbor agrees to lend me an aerator - this is a big electric tool by the type of this one - VonHaus 2 in 1 Corded. And I seriously fear for the roots of young trees.
ReplyDeleteTree roots are commonly just below the surface so it is wise to at least stay away from the drip line (end of the branches) area near the trunk
ReplyDelete