Some signs of insect or disease problems, structural issues, or nutrient deficiencies are easy to recognize (see our handy checklist of common tree problems for details).

However, many tree health problems aren't obvious and can be difficult to diagnose without having an in-depth understanding of tree biology, soil chemistry, insect identification and lifecycles, or bacterial and fungal diseases. Because the timing of treatment and prevention efforts is critical, missing signs of possible infestations or infections can put the survival of your trees at risk.

That's why regular tree inspections by an ISA Certified Arborist are invaluable. Tree issues can be identified and dealt with before they become a serious problem, saving you money in the long run and saving your trees as well.

A tree health management program is a cost-effective way to keep your trees healthy, safer, and more attractive.

You'll get a comprehensive overview of the health of your plants and trees, and a detailed description of specific tree care services needed to keep them healthy. These services cover fertilization and soil improvement, prevention and treatment of insect and disease problems, and root system rejuvenation. 

While there are many "good bugs" (beneficial insects, such as ladybugs), there are many more "bad bugs." These insects defoliate trees, bore into trunks and branches, introduce harmful fungi, and damage roots. Left untreated, many of these insects will cause your trees to decline, decay, and eventually die.

Similarly, diseases harm and kill trees by disrupting the biological processes they depend on to survive.

Our team offers a comprehensive insect and disease management program that can help prevent many of the worst tree problems. We also offer immediate treatments that control existing insect infestations and bacterial or fungal diseases to prevent them from causing further damage to your trees.

Where possible, we prefer to use organic or low-impact pesticides that minimize harm to beneficial insects and other wildlife. Some treatments require spraying your trees with a high-pressure sprayer (such as when applying horticultural oil). Others are injected directly into the tree or into the soil around the tree.

Strong, healthy roots are critical to the wellbeing of your trees. Roots help stabilize a tree (so it doesn't fall over during a storm), absorb and store nutrients and energy to support the tree, and take up water that's then transported throughout the entire tree.

Our Certified Arborists provide high-quality tree root system treatments that encourage root development and rejuvenate tree roots when they aren’t receiving adequate nutrition. These treatments use a combination of ingredients to stimulate root growth, such as beneficial bacteria, humic acid extracts, soluble sea kelp, yucca plant extracts, amino acids, and natural sugars.

Over the years, we've developed our root rejuvenation program so that it's highly effective at:

• improving soil aeration,
• decreasing compaction around a tree’s roots
• increasing the tree's ability to absorb water and nutrients from the surrounding soil.

As a result, your trees will be healthier, stronger, and more resistant to attack by harmful bugs, fungi, and bacteria.

If your trees are looking unhealthy or showing strange symptoms, it's probably due to problems with insect pests, bacterial or fungal diseases, or soil conditions. Scan the list below to see if any of your tree's symptoms are listed. We've described the most common signs of tree health problems, sorted according to the most likely causes.

Early identification of insect damage, infections, and soil problems is critical. Don't wait until it's too late to save your trees! Call the ISA Certified Arborists at Riverbend as soon as you notice anything unusual.

“A BIG thanks to Logan Jones and crew! When a tree came down the other night, crashing on top of our neighbor’s car (ugh!). I called Logan and within a couple of hours, they had the tree cut up, hauled away, and everything cleaned up. He was also able to fix our fence, although the car didn’t fare as well. Just a fantastic job!!!!”

"Sadly, a large white oak died along the edge of our drive and was posing a threat. Riverbend was the first company we called. We have used their lawncare services and seasonal cleanups for nearly five years. They are always professional, prompt, and efficient. Our tree was removed quickly, safely, and with incredible care and safety."

“Riverbend recently removed 16 huge 50-year-old white pine trees that surround our house. Every aspect of the job was accomplished by the very highest professional standards. Of the four estimates that we got Logan’s was the most reasonable and comprehensive. The workers were highly skilled, courteous and meticulous in the clean up. This was a 5-star performance by every measure."

As a local business, we love to support local associations and other organizations. However, as tree and landscape professionals, it's also important that we stay up-to-date on the latest developments in our field - which is why we're also proud members of national industry associations.

© 2022 Riverbend Landscapes & Tree Service