Phytophthora Root Rot: The Tree Disease That Sometimes Looks Like Drought
It’s only natural to grab a garden hose when you see one of your trees looking parched. But if your tree is suffering from Phytophthora
Give your trees and shrubs the support they need to thrive with professional biostimulant treatments from RTEC Treecare. Our biostimulant applications support healthy root development and nutrient uptake, while helping plants better tolerate the stresses of urban and suburban landscapes.
Whether your trees are struggling with compacted soil, recovering from environmental stress, or simply need proactive care to support long-term health, our ISA-certified arborists can develop a treatment plan tailored to your landscape.
Trees and shrubs need healthy roots and soil. Unfortunately, the conditions found in many residential and commercial landscapes across the DC Metro Area can make it difficult for plants to thrive. Compacted soils, drought, and other environmental stresses can all affect root growth and overall plant health.
Often described as “multivitamins” for plants, our biostimulant treatments are designed to support the natural processes trees and shrubs use to grow and respond to stress. These treatments may help encourage root development, support beneficial soil microorganisms, and improve nutrient uptake.
Biostimulants work by supporting the natural processes that occur within plants and their root zones. Depending on the specific products used, plants being treated, and environmental conditions, they may provide several different kinds of benefits.
Biostimulants can encourage healthy root development, which can help trees and shrubs access the water and nutrients they need to thrive.
Some biostimulants contain beneficial bacteria and fungi that contribute to biological activity, water uptake, and nutrient cycling in the root zone.
Biostimulants can influence processes that make nutrients more available in the root zone or help plants use available nutrients more effectively.
Biostimulants can support the natural processes plants use to tolerate and respond to drought, heat, soil compaction, construction projects, and grading work.
Biostimulants can also be incorporated into establishment programs for newly planted trees and shrubs, where healthy root development is critical to long-term success.
Dealing with a fallen tree or worried about potential storm damage? We’re here to help—offering 24/7 emergency tree services to keep your property safe!
Trees and shrubs growing in stressful conditions may benefit from the below-ground support biostimulants provide. One of RTEC Treecare’s certified arborists can determine whether biostimulants should be part of the solution, but the following signs may indicate that they’ll be helpful:
Trees that produce undersized leaves or exhibit poor annual growth may be struggling with poor rooting conditions, environmental stress, or other health problems.
A thinning canopy can indicate that a tree is under stress and no longer capable of supporting a robust and vibrant canopy like it once did.
Compacted soils and those with reduced amounts of organic matter may limit root development and make it harder for trees to access the water and nutrients they need.
Extended periods of hot, dry weather can place significant strain on trees and shrubs, particularly those that prefer milder temperatures or have high moisture needs.
Newly planted trees and shrubs must establish new roots to overcome the stress of transplantation — a process that biostimulants can help support.
Grading, trenching, soil compaction, and other activities around the root zone can leave established trees struggling to recover from changes to their growing environment.
Reduced growth, premature leaf drop, smaller foliage, and other changes in appearance may indicate that a tree or shrub could benefit from biostimulant application.
Getting started is easy; you can set up a consultation via phone, email, or our online booking form linked below.
One of our ISA-certified arborists or environmental technicians will take the time to listen carefully to each question or concern.
Our crew will arrive at the scheduled time and carry out the work in a professional, safe, and respectful manner.
We’ll always share some recommendations for the ongoing support and care of your plants and trees.
When you choose RTEC Treecare for biostimulant services, you’re choosing a team committed to providing professional, environmentally conscious, and science-based tree and shrub care.
Our team includes ISA-certified arborists and experienced Plant Health Care professionals who understand the complex relationships between soil, roots, and plant health.
RTEC Treecare has decades of experience caring for trees and shrubs throughout the DC Metro Area. We understand the challenges local landscapes face and how to help plants thrive.
We use professional products and proven application methods, while following current arboricultural practices to provide biostimulant treatments based on the needs of your plants and property.
Our team follows industry best practices and takes care to protect trees, shrubs, people, pets, and property throughout the treatment process.
We evaluate your plants and growing conditions before recommending a treatment plan that’s tailored to the specific needs of your landscape.
We take a long-term approach to tree and shrub care and incorporate biostimulants into a broader Plant Health Care program when appropriate.
From tree pruning and removals to soil aeration and mosquito control, the RTEC Treecare team can provide the kind of solutions homeowners and property managers in the DC Metro area deserve.
RTEC Treecare not only provides a comprehensive assortment of tree-care services, but we also serve a wide variety of clients. From residential homeowners to commercial property managers to government agencies, we can provide the kind of award-winning tree care services you need.
Our service area includes most of the DC Metropolitan area, including portions of Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, DC. You can see a list of some of the specific communities we serve below!
Unlike traditional fertilizers, which supply nutrients plants and trees may need, biostimulants (which are sometimes described as “multivitamins” for plants) support the natural processes of plants and trees.
Biostimulants can support root growth, improve nutrient availability and uptake, encourage beneficial soil activity, and strengthen a plant’s ability to tolerate environmental stresses such as drought, heat, transplanting, and poor growing conditions.
No. Fertilizers primarily supply essential plant nutrients, while biostimulants support processes within the plant or surrounding root zone. Depending on your trees and soil conditions, your RTEC Treecare arborist may recommend biostimulants, fertilizer, or a combination of treatments.
Slow growth, thinning foliage, poor soil conditions, drought stress, recent planting, and construction disturbance may indicate that a tree could benefit from biostimulants. However, these signs can have many causes, so a certified arborist should evaluate the tree before recommending treatment.
RTEC Treecare can apply biostimulants directly to the root zone through soil injection or drenching. These methods allow the treatment to reach the area where roots and beneficial soil organisms are active.
RTEC typically recommends biostimulant treatments twice per year, with applications in spring and fall. Your arborist may recommend a different schedule based on your plants, site conditions, and treatment goals.
Yes. Biostimulants may be incorporated into a tree-establishment program to support root development and help newly planted trees and shrubs adjust to their new growing environment.
Biostimulants can support stressed plants, but they are not a cure for every cause of decline. Trees affected by serious diseases, extensive root damage, structural problems, or other severe conditions may require additional treatment (and some may not be salvageable at all).
A professional assessment can identify the underlying problem and determine the appropriate course of action.
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Feel free to leave your contact information on our online form. A consultation is always free, and it’s the first step towards finding a solution for your trees!