You see, we don’t feed plants.  They feed themselves!  Plants produce their own food through photosynthesis.  Fertilizers provide some nutrients which can be utilized in the process.  Improper types or amounts of fertilizer, particularly the chemical fertilizers this company promotes, can sometimes increase the plant susceptibility to insects and disease, and weaken the grass plant overall.  That is why Arbor Doctor utilizes an organic fertilization approach which aids root development, increases plant cell wall thicknesses, and does not push growth.

To further complicate the picture, the lawn care company’s ads say lawns are “starving” this time of year and need to be fertilized.  Really?  Research shows the optimal time to provide fertilizer to lawns in our area is fall.  If lawns are starving this time of year, it is more because they haven’t been photosynthesizing so much, not that I think they are starving!  This does not mean you should turn your lawn care company away.

There are legitimate lawn care functions this time of year, including weed control, pre-emergents, and mild amounts of fertilizer.  However, be wary of any lawn care company promoting multiple springtime fertilizations and high nitrogen in the spring.  Low inputs and attention to good cultural practices is the most environmentally friendly approach to good lawn and landscape care.  Our partner, Turfman Lawn Care, does a good job at this balanced approach.

The insecticide the article refers to goes by the brand name of Optrol, also known as Xytect.  While the article says this material is new, it is not.  This is a re-labeled Imidacloprid product (sometimes known as Merit). Arbor Doctor has used it for several years on some trees.  It does provide control.  However, under high insect pressure, we have seen trees significantly affected despite treatment.  Treated trees have not been killed yet in our experience.  However, trees treated with Treeage by Arbor Doctor consistently show no borer activity. 

For that reason, Arbor Doctor this year decided to transition many of our Xytect clients to Treeage. We want our clients to see optimal results with the highest chances for success. Treeage is applied every other year, while Xytect must be applied annually.  The long term cost of Xytect, applied twice as often, ends up being similar to Treeage, perhaps a bit less, but with lesser results as well.

For some unknown reason, Denny McKeown has repeatedly opposed Treeage.  He has said on his show that you should run anyone off your property who approaches your ash with a drill.  Numerous studies have looked at possible ill effects of Arborjet Treeage injections and have found no ill effects.  Denny has his opinions, but his opinion on Treeage has no basis in fact that we know of. 

As an ISA Certified Arborist, Arbor Doctor owner Ron Rothhaas agrees to adhere to the ISA Code of Ethics which requires that adherents “Deliver safe and competent services with objective and independent professional judgment in decision-making.”   

Arbor Doctor is not opposed to either Xytect or Optrol.  Be aware, however, that you will likely still see some activity.  Also, correct application methodology is imperative for success.  Arbor Doctor does use Xytect, and will if that is what you want, but it is not our first choice for most trees in high infestation areas.

Here at Arbor Doctor, we are already busy taking care of landscapes.  We have spent the winter at conferences gathering as much information as possible to help make your landscapes healthier and your life easier!  Ron met with another arborist specializing in organic plant health care and continues to work to modify and improve our one of a kind, organically based and green friendly plant health care program.  Organics, good for nature and good for you!

You will likely be seeing us shortly if you haven’t already.  Don’t hesitate to call or contact us with any questions in the meantime.