Cambridge Plant Health Care

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

Our approach is to keep plants in balance with nature, treating only where appropriate. From organic to traditional, we have multiple options available to address most nutrient, insect or disease issues encountered. We also offer tree removal when needed. Our plant health care professionals are Certified Arborists and Licensed Applicators, actively engaged in advancing their knowledge through continuing education.

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.