Plant Health Care
What Is Plant Health Care?
In dense urban environments like San Francisco, trees often struggle with compacted soils, drought stress, limited rooting space, and pollution. Our PHC program addresses these hidden challenges before they cause decline, helping your landscape remain healthy, stable, and beautiful for decades.
Our Holistic and Preventive Approach
At Arborist Now, Plant Health Care means much more than fertilizer applications. It’s a comprehensive, sustainable, and largely organic program designed around the unique soils and microclimates of the Bay Area.
Our ISA-Certified arborists begin with a deep understanding of soil biology and structure—because most plant health problems originate underground. By improving soil conditions, nutrient balance, and microbial life, we create the foundation for natural disease resistance and long-term vitality.
This soil-first philosophy blends science, sustainability, and local expertise to deliver consistent, lasting results while minimizing environmental impact.
During a PHC visit, our arborists evaluate soil conditions, site factors, and tree vitality as part of the service estimate. When a situation calls for deeper diagnostic analysis or formal documentation—such as construction impact reports, hazard evaluations, or expert opinions—our Consulting Arborist Services provide written assessments and long-term management guidance.
Our PHC Services
Every PHC plan is customized to your property’s needs and may include:
- Deep Root Fertilization – Slow-release soil-friendly nutrients for trees, palms, shrubs, and perennials to improve root absorption and vigor.
- Soil Analysis – Comprehensive testing to identify compaction, nutrient deficiencies, pH imbalance, and biological activity.
- Soil Decompaction & Aeration – Loosening compacted soil layers to restore oxygen flow and water infiltration.
- Custom Soil Blend Amendment – A specialized mix of mulch, biochar, mineral soil, and organic compost that enhances microbial activity, moisture retention, and structure.
- Mycorrhizal Inoculation – Strengthens root systems and promotes nutrient exchange.
- Integrated Pest & Disease Management (IPM) – Environmentally conscious pest control that protects pollinators and reduces chemical use.
Tree Diseases and Pests We Treat and Prevent
Our PHC specialists help prevent and control a wide range of Bay Area tree diseases and pests, including:
- Bronze Birch Borer
- Sudden Oak Death (Phytophthora ramorum)
- Pine Pitch Canker
- Anthracnose
- Powdery Mildew
- Other local fungal and bacterial pathogens
We focus on prevention through balance—improving soil and root conditions to reduce disease pressure. When intervention is required, Arborist Now uses targeted low-toxicity treatments that are safe for your property and the environment.
Why Our Approach Works
Healthy soil means healthy trees. Compacted, unbalanced, or depleted soil limits root growth and makes trees susceptible to pests and drought. By restoring soil structure, nutrient availability, and biological diversity, Arborist Now prevents most problems before they surface.
With seasonal PHC visits—typically once or twice per year in spring and fall—your trees and landscape remain strong, balanced, and naturally resilient. Proper species selection, professional planting, and long-term soil management ensure your trees thrive for generations.
At Arborist Now, we believe that true Plant Health Care begins before the tree is even planted. By selecting the right species for each site and planting them correctly, we lay the groundwork for a healthier, longer-lived urban forest. Our team’s expertise in tree species selection and professional planting ensures that every tree starts with optimal soil conditions, space, and support—reducing future stress, disease risk, and maintenance costs.
Even with healthy soil and proper planting, trees require ongoing structural care to maintain safety, balance, and aesthetics. Our Tree Pruning and Maintenance team works hand in hand with our PHC specialists to ensure your trees stay strong and well-shaped as they grow—improving airflow, reducing disease risk, and supporting long-term health.
Why Choose Arborist Now?
ISA-Certified arborists with deep local expertise
Sustainable, science-driven, and organic-leaning practices
Proven results across residential, commercial, and municipal properties
Decades of experience combining tree science and urban ecology
A trusted reputation for integrity, quality, and long-term care in the Bay Area
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Plant Health Care (PHC) in tree care?
How often should I schedule PHC visits?
Most trees benefit from PHC visits one to two times per year, with timing based on the tree’s species, condition, and any active issues. We tailor the schedule to what your trees actually need.
Are PHC treatments safe for pets and the environment?
What’s the difference between fertilization and PHC?
Do I need PHC if my trees look healthy now?
Yes. Preventive care keeps healthy trees strong and reduces the risk of future decline. It’s far easier to maintain vitality than to restore it once damage occurs.