Cambridge Plant Health Care

Comprehensive Tree Services for Newton, Medford & the Greater Boston Area

At Barrett Tree Service East, we share our client’s passion for the functional and aesthetic values that your  trees and shrubs have. Our approach to the health of your plants and overall landscape is both proactive and holistic. Plant Health Care is a bottom to top approach that often starts with addressing the root causes of any issues with your trees and shrubs. Many urban soils are inherently lacking in overall quality and structure, and this deficit often leads to general plant stress, allowing pests and disease to develop and sometimes thrive. While we possess all the tools and skills to address any disease or pest afflicting your plants, we also offer extensive soil conditioning and improvement programs that introduce organic matter, improved structure, and micronutrients to your soil, thus boosting the overall vitality of your plants. 

Our programs run from specific plans to care for your mature Beech Trees or Boxwood hedges to a series of Organic Bio-Stimulant soil applications in key areas of your landscape. We also offer comprehensive ActiveCare programs that highlight season-long monitoring, applications curated to your specific needs, and personalized reports to the client. Whether you need a specific plant issue diagnosed and addressed or an assessment of the overall health of your landscape, let us help you enhance your cherished property in a sustainable and approachable way. 

Reach out to us at (617) 344-9964 to speak to a member of our team today about how we can improve the beauty and health of your trees!

Identifying Common Signs of Plant Stress or Disease

Plants can show various signs of stress or disease, and it's important to recognize these symptoms early to address the issue and promote plant health. 

Here are some common signs of plant stress or disease:

• Discoloration: Changes in leaf color can indicate problems. Yellowing (chlorosis) often suggests a nutrient deficiency, while brown or black spots may indicate disease or fungal issues.
• Wilting: Wilting leaves or stems can be a sign of dehydration or root problems. Overwatering or underwatering can both lead to wilting.
• Stunted Growth: If a plant is not growing as expected, it may be experiencing stress. This can be caused by poor soil quality, insufficient light, or pests.
• Leaf Drop: Premature leaf drop can occur due to various stressors, such as overwatering, underwatering, pests, or disease.
• Curling or Distorted Leaves: Curled, twisted, or distorted leaves can be a sign of insect damage, such as aphids or spider mites, or a viral infection.
• Browning Leaf Edges (Leaf Scorch): This can be due to excessive sun exposure, drought, or salt build-up in the soil.
• Mold or Mildew: The presence of white, gray, or black powdery substances on leaves or stems can indicate fungal issues, such as powdery mildew or downy mildew.
• Galls or Abnormal Growths: Unusual growths, swellings, or galls on plant stems or leaves may be a result of infections or insect activity.
• Yellow or Sticky Leaves: Yellowing and stickiness (honeydew) can be signs of infestations by aphids, mealybugs, or scale insects.
• Holes in Leaves: Holes in leaves are often caused by chewing insects like caterpillars, beetles, or grasshoppers.
• Yellow Bands on Leaves: Yellow bands or streaks on leaves can indicate viral infections.
• Root Rot: Wilting, yellowing, and poor overall plant health may be signs of root rot, a fungal disease that affects plant roots.
• Fruit or Flower Abnormalities: Odd shapes, discoloration, or a lack of fruit or flowers can be caused by stressors, such as nutrient imbalances or disease.
• Mottled Leaves: Mottling, or irregular patterns of light and dark on leaves, can indicate viral infections or pests.
• Excessive Dropping of Flowers or Fruit: Premature dropping of flowers or fruit may result from pollination issues, drought, or nutrient deficiencies.
• Sudden Decline: If a previously healthy plant rapidly deteriorates, it may be a sign of a severe disease, infestation, or environmental stress.
• Unusual Odors: Some diseases can cause a foul or unusual odor in plants.
• Webbing: The presence of fine, silk-like webbing on plants is a common sign of spider mites or other web-spinning pests.