Insect and Disease Management
The best measure against insects and disease is a healthy vigorous tree or shrub. Proper pruning, fertilizing, mulching and watering will help a tree or shrub defend itself in many cases. There are instances when outside factors can weaken the healthiest tree or shrub and Suntree's certified staff can assist in identifying these factors and correcting them. There are also instances when foreign insects or diseases can break and weaken the immune system of well maintained trees and shrubs.

As part of Suntree's Plant Health Monitoring Program we can detect potential insect and disease issues early on and use the most updated natural and organic controls. At times pesiticide use is necessary however, early in the cycle of insect and disease development we can use spot treatments that will ensure the reduction in broad pesiticide applications.

Common Tree and Shrub Pests
Lacebugs: Azaleas, Rhododendron, Andromeda and other broadleaf evergreens commonly have lacebugs. They feed on the underside of the leaf by piercing and sucking nutrients causing a bronze color to the foliage.

Peach Scale: This insect infects Cherry, Plums and other fruit trees. It is white and powdery, and feeds along the stem of the trees. They pierce and suck nutrients while protected by a shell that makes them difficult to control.

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: A new serious insect to the area that feeds on hemlock needles. They are small cottony balls found on the underside of the needle. Easy to control, they do require constant maintenance.

Apple Scab: Most ornamental fruit trees are infected with this disease. Cool, wet conditions infect leaves in spring and cause black stains and leaf-drop by mid summer.

Anthracnose: Another cool wet weather pest. Many shade trees, such as Norway maples, Oaks and Sycamores have been affected these past few years. Infected in spring, it causes the edges of the leaf to curl, turn black and drop.

Needlecast: This infects Spruces, Firs and especially Austrian Pines. It is also a cool wet season pest. On Austrian Pines, the larvae of a small moth often feeds on developing buds while infected with this disease.

Mites: Mostly a problem with evergreens such as Arborvitae, Spruces and Hemlocks. Its damage causes a bronze-like color to the foliage.