Tree Insect & Disease Control

Lynch Landscape & Tree Service, Inc. has several MA Certified Arborists on staff specializing in tree and shrub disease management. A complete, integrated plant healthcare plan includes not only fertilization and treatments but starts with practices such as regular maintenance, pruning, and proper soil conditions for all plants on your property.

Before starting a program or treatment plan, we begin with a free consultation, analysis, and inspection of your landscape. Think of us as "Tree Doctors" – we want to completely understand all the details and variables involved before making any recommendations.

Diseases in trees and shrubs are typically caused by bacteria, fungi, and environmental stress (drought, extreme temperatures, and erratic weather). Once the disease has been identified, the programs designed for you consider the type of tree, disease stage or phase, and your preferences. Our job is to listen to you, the customer, and do everything possible to maximize your trees and shrubs' beauty and health.

Anthracnose

Anthracnose diseases can affect most hardwood trees (ash, dogwood, sycamore, etc.) throughout the Eastern Massachusetts region. The symptoms include blotch or dead areas on leaves. Additional issues can result in branch dieback and shoot and leaf blight. In more severe cases, the entire leaf can die and fall off the tree prematurely.

Although the symptoms can vary, as with other diseases, repeated annual defoliation can severely damage the tree or trees. Recurring defoliation weakens the tree, reduces growth, and, more alarming, increases its susceptibility to invasions by pests and insects and secondary diseases such as root decay.

Apple Scab

Apple scab is one of the most severe and destructive fungal diseases among fruit trees. The Eastern portion of Massachusetts provides the exact cool, rainy and humid conditions necessary for this disease to thrive.

If left untreated, apple scab will cause dull black or grey lesions on the fruit and leaves' surface. While rarely killing its host, apple scab can defoliate the trees' leaves, which weaken the tree and possibly make it more susceptible to other diseases.

Phytophthora Root Rot

Phytophthora root rot is a fairly common disease and is frequently overlooked by a homeowner. These diseases are common in poorly drained soils as Phytophthora is a soil-based organism that struggles in dead tissue but creates spores that can survive without a host. Under the perfect environmental conditions, it can go from extremely low levels to an infestation quickly.

Phytophthora root rot is found in:

• Azaleas
• Boxwoods
• Rhododendrons
• Hemlocks
• Japanese Hollies
• Oaks
• Dogwoods
• Mountain Laurels
• Andromedas