Disease and Pest Management

Our region frequently encounters oak wilt, laurel wilt (affecting avocado and redbay), pine bark beetles, citrus greening, palm lethal bronzing, and various fungal diseases like anthracnose. Each requires specific treatment approaches. McGuire’s arborists can identify these conditions in their early stages when treatment is most effective and before spread occurs to neighboring trees.

Treatment depends on the specific condition. For fungal infections like Ganoderma, we focus on cultural practices since curative treatments aren’t available. For lethal bronzing, we can administer antibiotic injections if caught early. Proper nutrition through specialized palm fertilization helps strengthen natural defenses. Unfortunately, some palm diseases require prompt removal to prevent spread through the landscape.

Absolutely. We employ Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles that minimize chemical use while maximizing effectiveness. When treatments are necessary, we select the most targeted, least toxic options effective against the specific pest or disease. Applications are timed to protect beneficial insects, pollinators, and wildlife while achieving optimal control of harmful organisms.

Oak wilt symptoms include rapid leaf discoloration (bronzing from leaf margins inward), premature leaf drop, and wilting in the upper canopy that progresses downward. Live oaks may show veinal necrosis (darkened leaf veins). Since these symptoms can resemble other conditions, our arborists use specific diagnostic protocols to confirm oak wilt before recommending treatment or removal.

Preventative treatments are available for many common insect threats, particularly for high-value or vulnerable trees. For pine bark beetles, borer insects, and certain caterpillars, we offer scheduled preventative applications during peak risk periods. However, the best prevention is maintaining optimal tree health through proper watering, mulching, and fertilization, as stressed trees attract more insect activity.

Soil-borne pathogens often require a multi-faceted approach. Our services include soil drenches with fungicides for specific pathogens, root collar excavation to improve trunk conditions, mulching with beneficial composted materials, soil amendments to optimize pH and drainage, and sometimes installation of vertical mulching to improve root zone aeration in compacted soils common throughout Florida’s developed areas.