What is Plant Health Care (PHC) and why is it important?
Plant Health Care (PHC) is a proactive approach to maintaining the overall health of plants and trees through regular monitoring, preventive treatments, and holistic care practices. By focusing on soil nutrition, pest and disease management, and overall plant vitality, PHC helps prevent problems before they become severe, ensuring healthier, more resilient trees and landscapes. PHC also reduces the need for reactive treatments, making it a cost-effective and sustainable solution.
What types of testing do you offer through your consultancy services?
We offer a range of testing services, including EAL Testing Suites for soil and water analysis, Soil Microbial Assessments, and Tree Health Score Cards. These tests help us identify nutrient deficiencies, assess soil structure, monitor microbial populations, and evaluate tree health, allowing us to develop precise care and remediation plans.
What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and how does it differ from traditional pest control?
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an environmentally responsible approach to pest control that focuses on long-term prevention through a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical control methods. Unlike traditional pest control, which may rely heavily on chemicals, IPM minimizes chemical use and focuses on maintaining a healthy ecosystem, using pesticides only as a last resort.
How do you improve soil compaction?
We use advanced decompaction techniques such as air spading and mechanical aeration to break up compacted soil layers. This process enhances the soil’s structure, allowing for better air, water, and nutrient flow to plant roots. Decompaction is essential for improving root health and overall plant growth, especially in urban environments or areas with heavy foot traffic.
What are the benefits of mulching?
Mulching provides several benefits, including moisture retention, temperature regulation, weed suppression, and soil improvement. Organic mulch, such as wood chips, gradually decomposes, enriching the soil with essential nutrients. Mulching also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your landscape while protecting the root zones of trees and plants.
How do you diagnose tree diseases?
Our pathology service uses a combination of field inspections and laboratory tests to diagnose tree diseases. We take plant samples for microscopic examination, run cultures to identify fungal or bacterial pathogens, and may use molecular techniques for precise identification. Once diagnosed, we develop a tailored treatment plan to address the disease and prevent further spread.
What is the process for creating a remediation plan?
We start with a thorough assessment of your landscape, identifying the root causes of any health challenges, such as soil contamination, pest infestations, or disease outbreaks. Based on this analysis, we design a remediation plan that includes specific strategies such as soil amendments, pest control, or disease management. Our goal is to restore the health of your plants and soil through sustainable, long-term solutions.
What makes your porous paving solutions eco-friendly?
Heritage Porous Paving is designed to promote sustainable drainage by allowing water to permeate through the surface and into the ground, reducing runoff and preventing erosion. Made from environmentally friendly materials, our paving solutions also support groundwater recharge and help manage stormwater naturally, making them an ideal choice for landscapes, driveways, and walkways.
How does the Tree Health Score Card work?
The Tree Health Score Card is a comprehensive evaluation tool that assesses the overall condition of your trees. We measure factors like canopy density, leaf colour, root health, and signs of stress or disease. Each tree receives a score based on its health, which helps track its condition over time. This allows you to make informed decisions about care, treatment, or removal if necessary.
How often should Plant Health Care services be scheduled?
For optimal results, we recommend regular monitoring and care throughout the year. The frequency of visits depends on the specific needs of your landscape. Typically, we suggest quarterly assessments to ensure that any issues with soil, pests, or diseases are caught early and treated promptly.
What is the difference between pest management and disease management?
Pest management focuses on controlling harmful insects, mites, and other pests that can damage trees and plants, while disease management involves the diagnosis and treatment of infections caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Both services aim to protect your plants, but they target different types of threats. We offer integrated solutions for both, ensuring your landscape remains healthy and pest- and disease-free.
What is included in your drainage services?
Our drainage services include assessing the current water flow and drainage patterns in your landscape and designing solutions to improve water management. This could involve installing French drains, swales, or subsurface drainage systems. Effective drainage prevents waterlogging, root rot, and other issues related to excess moisture, helping to maintain healthy soil and plants.
What kind of research trial assistance do you provide?
Our Research Trial Assist service helps organizations conduct scientific trials to test new products, treatments, or cultivation techniques. We assist with trial design, data collection, monitoring, and statistical analysis, ensuring the trials are rigorous and produce reliable results. This service is ideal for companies in the plant health or agricultural sectors seeking to innovate or improve their offerings.