When to Initiate an Integrated Pest Management Program
Insect Control has a direct impact on your plant health and longevity. Certain types of insects can be fatal to your trees. Four of the major pests that threaten Massachusetts tree populations include the Emerald Ash Borer, Asian Longhorned Beetle, Wooley Adelgid and Winter Moth. A variety of microorganisms, pests, and insects are necessary for the balance of nature and overall tree health. A variety of microorganisms, pests, and insects are necessary for the balance of nature and overall tree health. The key, is knowing when the naturally occurring insects and diseases begin to cause problems for your trees. This is when an integrated pest management (IPM) program is helpful.
IPM creates the steps needed to promote a healthy landscape by providing insect control to prevent destructive pest outbreaks. IPM strives to maintain the health of your trees. One of the ways to maintain tree health is to make sure you have diverse types of trees as well as a variety of ages. For example, the pests on a younger tree could be naturally regulated by the parasites and predators that are already well established on an older tree. Also, keep your landscape properly trimmed and thinned. When trees are overcrowded, they compete for the things that sustain them such as light, water, and soil nutrients. This can stress the trees causing them to be more susceptible to destructive pests.
If you see symptoms of poor health on your trees such as dieback on the upper limbs, yellowing needles or leaves, or severe thinning foliage, contact a certified Tree Tech arborist right away. Tree Tech professionals can examine, diagnose, and create a personalized integrated pest management program that will ensure the health and beauty of the trees you love for years to come!
For more information about all of Tree Tech’s many tree services including tree disease diagnosis, insect control and tree treatments, visit www.TreeTechInc.net or call us at 888-873-3832. We provide complete tree services in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Lace bug continues to be a problem for azaleas and broad leafed evergreens, especially andromeda. Plants should be treated in june when they are active. Using merit (imidacloprid) in the fall will help protect susceptable plants the following season. This can eliminate timing and weather related issues the following spring. While not lethal, lace bug injury inhibits the plants ability to produce chlorophyl which can allow the plant to become vulnerable to more 







