In recent years, the demand for plant health care (PHC) professionals has surged, driven by an increasing interest in sustainable landscaping, urban farming and organic gardening. With more people looking for expert guidance on maintaining healthy, thriving trees, shrubs and [...]

It’s tough out there for trees, especially when they are trying to survive in the “un-natural” urban forests where we live. Trees tend to grow well on more natural, undisturbed sites like arboreal areas, but there is nothing natural [...]

Soil organic matter (SOM) is one of the most critical components of a healthy urban soil. While it is often a small component (<8%) of soil, it influences nearly every aspect of that soil’s ability to support tree health. [...]

Soil and foliar sampling are not exactly a new science, nor are they new ideas in the world of arboriculture. However, it is my opinion that they are still underutilized or underemphasized in the field. As practicing arborists, we [...]

Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans. We have all heard it. I believe it. I am an aging arborist in Iowa. Like a lot of us seasoned “tree guys,” I have followed a familiar [...]