Not every tree problem requires pruning, and not every declining tree needs to be removed. In many cases, the best solution is identifying the underlying issue and addressing it before permanent damage occurs.
That’s the goal of our Plant Health Care (PHC) services.
Through inspections, monitoring, soil management, pest treatments, disease management, and other preventive services, our arborists can often improve tree health, reduce stress, and help valuable trees thrive for years to come.
We’ll describe some of the most common plant health care services the Lubbers & Sons Tree Care team offers below and explain how they help protect the trees and shrubs that make Central North Carolina landscapes so beautiful.
What Is Plant Health Care?
Plant Health Care is a proactive approach to tree and shrub care that focuses on preventing problems, improving growing conditions, and addressing issues before they become severe.
Much like preventive healthcare for people, PHC emphasizes regular monitoring, early diagnosis, and targeted treatments designed to support long-term health. Rather than waiting until a tree is in obvious decline, plant health care seeks to identify stressors and correct them before they lead to significant damage.
Plant Health Care services can address a wide variety of issues, including:
- Insect infestations
- Tree diseases
- Fungal infections
- Soil compaction
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Root damage
- Drought stress
- Construction impacts
- Poor drainage
- Environmental stress
But because every tree and landscape is different, it’s always important to understand your property’s unique conditions and develop a plan that supports the long-term health, safety, and appearance of your trees and shrubs.
Common Plant Health Care Services
Some of the specific PHC services we offer are described below. But don’t feel as though you need to identify the specific services your trees need. After contacting the Lubbers & Sons Tree Care team, we’ll schedule a convenient time to assess your property and provide a recommended course of action.
Tree Inspection & Monitoring
Many tree problems begin long before obvious symptoms appear. Regular inspections allow our arborists to identify early signs of insect activity, disease, environmental stress, structural defects, and declining health so that corrective action can be taken before more serious problems develop.
Insect & Pest Management
A wide variety of insects can affect the health, appearance, and longevity of trees and shrubs in Central North Carolina. PHC treatments include monitoring, preventive applications, and targeted treatments designed to manage emerald ash borer, webworms, and other damaging pests while minimizing unnecessary chemical use.
Disease Management
Fungal diseases, bacterial infections, and other pathogens can weaken trees, reduce vigor, and lead to significant decline if left untreated. Disease management focuses on accurate diagnosis, cultural improvements, preventive treatments, and long-term strategies that support tree health.
Tree Fertilization & Soil Health
Healthy trees depend on healthy soil. Fertilization, soil amendments, and other soil health treatments can help address nutrient deficiencies, improve root development, and create growing conditions that allow trees and shrubs to thrive.
Root Zone Management
Many of the factors that affect tree health occur below ground, where they often go unnoticed. Root zone management may require us to address soil compaction, correct planting issues, protect roots from construction impacts, or improve conditions within the area where roots grow and function.
Growth Regulators & Advanced Treatments
Some situations call for specialized treatments that go beyond traditional tree care practices. Growth regulators and other advanced plant health care tools can help reduce stress, improve root development, manage growth, and support the long-term health of valuable landscape trees.
Drought & Environmental Stress Management
Trees are constantly affected by environmental conditions such as heat, drought, flooding, storms, and temperature extremes. Plant health care treatments can help reduce stress, improve resilience, and support recovery when trees are exposed to challenging growing conditions.
Preventive Tree Care Programs
The most effective tree care is often preventive rather than reactive. Ongoing monitoring and scheduled treatments allow arborists to identify concerns early, reduce the likelihood of serious problems, and help trees remain healthy for years to come.
Common Tree Issues in North Carolina & The Appropriate PHC Service
It’s always important to consult with an ISA-certified arborist to identify the best PHC service for your specific needs. However, some of the most common tree health issues and treatment regimens are provided below.
| Tree Health Issue | Description | Preferred PHC Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Insect Infestations | Insects can weaken trees, damage foliage, and increase susceptibility to other stressors. | Insect & Pest Management |
| Tree Diseases | Fungal and bacterial diseases can affect leaves, stems, branches, roots, and overall tree health. | Disease Management |
| Fungal Infections | Leaf spots, needle casts, cankers, and root rots can affect both trees and shrubs. | Disease Management |
| Soil Compaction | Foot traffic, vehicles, and construction activity can reduce oxygen availability and restrict root growth. | Root Zone Management |
| Nutrient Deficiencies | Poor soil fertility can lead to discoloration, poor growth, and reduced vigor. | Tree Fertilization & Soil Health |
| Poor Soil Conditions | Low organic matter, unfavorable pH, and other soil issues can limit tree performance. | Tree Fertilization & Soil Health |
| Root Damage | Construction, trenching, excavation, and other activities can injure critical roots. | Root Zone Management |
| Improper Planting Depth | Trees planted too deeply often develop root and trunk problems over time. | Root Zone Management |
| GirdlingRoots | Encircling roots can restrict water and nutrient movement and contribute to decline. | Root Zone Management |
| Drought Stress | Extended dry periods can reduce vigor, increase susceptibility to pests, and contribute to dieback. | Drought & Environmental Stress Management |
| Heat Stress | High temperatures and prolonged summer heat can place significant stress on trees and shrubs. | Drought & Environmental Stress Management |
| Flooding & Poor Drainage | Saturated soils can damage roots and create favorable conditions for root diseases. | Drought & Environmental Stress Management |
| Construction Impacts | Grading, excavation, and site development can alter growing conditions and damage root systems. | Root Zone Management |
| Slow Growth & Declining Vigor | Trees sometimes decline gradually due to multiple interacting stressors. | Tree Inspection & Monitoring |
| Mature Tree Preservation | Large, established trees often require proactive management to maintain health and longevity. | Growth Regulators & Advanced Treatments |
| Recurring Pest or Disease Problems | Some properties experience repeated issues due to environmental conditions or host susceptibility. | Preventive Tree Care Programs |
| Environmental Stress | Storms, temperature extremes, urban conditions, and other stressors can affect tree health. | Drought & Environmental Stress Management |
| Unexplained Tree Decline | Many tree health problems require professional diagnosis before effective treatment can begin. | Tree Inspection & Monitoring |
Frequently Asked Questions About Plant Health Care
Plant Health Care can be a confusing topic because many homeowners aren’t familiar with the services involved. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about tree health, preventive treatments, and long-term landscape management.
What is Plant Health Care?
Plant Health Care (PHC) is a proactive approach to tree and shrub care that focuses on preventing problems, improving growing conditions, and addressing issues before they become severe.
Do all trees need Plant Health Care services?
Not necessarily. However, regular inspections can help identify developing problems and determine whether preventive treatments or corrective measures would be beneficial.
How do I know if my tree is unhealthy?
Common signs of tree stress include discolored leaves, premature leaf drop, dead branches, thinning canopies, poor growth, insect activity, fungal growth, and unexplained decline.
However, there are also subtle signs of failing tree health, which are only likely to be noticed by an ISA-certified arborist. That’s why it is always a good idea to request a consultation if you see anything out of the ordinary with your tree.
Can a diseased tree be saved?
In some cases, but not always. Many diseases can be managed if they are identified early enough, though some problems have no effective treatment. Treatment options vary depending on the species, condition, and severity of the problem.
In all cases, you’ll give your trees the best chance of survival by getting expert help quickly.
Are insect treatments safe for my landscape?
When properly selected and applied by our trained professionals, insect management treatments are designed to target specific pests while minimizing impacts on people, pets, and beneficial organisms.
Do mature trees need fertilizer?
Not always. Fertilization should be based on a tree’s condition, growing environment, and soil test results. Fertilization should not be applied automatically, as it can exacerbate some tree health issues.
How often should trees be inspected?
Most residential properties benefit from periodic inspections, particularly if they contain mature trees, valuable specimen trees, or trees located near homes, driveways, or other important structures.
Can construction damage affect a tree years later?
Absolutely. Root damage caused by excavation, trenching, grading, or soil compaction may not produce visible symptoms immediately. In some cases, decline can take several years to appear.
Let Lubbers & Sons Tree Care Support Your Trees’ Health
Keeping your trees healthy requires a combination of regular monitoring, early interventions, and a care plan built around your property’s specific conditions. The Lubbers & Sons Tree Care team is here to help Central North Carolina homeowners and commercial property managers take exactly that kind of proactive approach.
Contact us today to schedule a free site visit. We’ll assess your landscape, identify any developing concerns, and recommend the services your trees need to thrive.
