What Is Plant Health Care—and Why Does It Matter for Trees in the High Country?

When most people think of tree care, they picture trimming branches or removing a dead tree. While those are important services, they’re often reactions to visible problems. At Krause Family Arborist, we focus on more than that. We also offer plant health care—a long-term, preventive approach to keeping trees healthy, safe, and strong.

Plant health care, or PHC, is about keeping trees in good shape before serious issues appear. In the High Country, where weather and soil conditions can be tough on trees, this kind of care plays a key role in helping trees grow properly and avoid early decline.

What Is Plant Health Care?

Plant health care is a process, not a single service. It starts with routine monitoring. Our team walks your property, checks each tree, and looks for signs of stress, disease, or pest activity. Some problems are easy to spot, while others show up slowly over time. Regular inspections help us catch these issues early.

We also look at soil and root conditions. Healthy trees need good soil to grow. If the soil is compacted or lacks nutrients, roots can’t absorb what they need. In some cases, a tree may show signs of poor health above ground, but the problem actually starts below the surface.

Another part of PHC is targeted treatment. If we find pests, disease, or early signs of decline, we apply treatments in a way that supports the tree without harming the surrounding landscape. The goal is to protect the tree’s health with as little disruption as possible. Instead of waiting for trees to fail, we help them stay strong through preventive care.

Why It Matters in the High Country

The High Country is a beautiful place to live, but it brings challenges for trees. Elevation, cold winters, and strong winds put stress on even mature trees. In sloped areas, erosion can affect root stability and expose parts of the trunk to moisture or cold. Over time, these conditions take a toll on trees that aren’t regularly monitored.

Pests and fungi are also common in our region. Quick-spreading insects like aphids or scale can move from one tree to another if left untreated. Moist conditions also make it easy for fungus to grow, especially on tree bases or wounds. Once these problems take hold, they’re harder to fix.

Plant health care helps spot and treat these issues early. That makes trees more likely to survive through tough seasons, stay upright during storms, and remain visually appealing on your property.

Common Problems PHC Can Catch Early

During plant health care visits, we often find problems that homeowners haven’t noticed. Some of the most common include:

• Aphid and scale infestations, which weaken trees by sucking sap from leaves and stems
• Compacted or poor-quality soil, which limits root growth and nutrient access
• Root rot, especially in trees growing near wet areas or poor drainage
• Fungal growth on bark or at the tree base
• Unbalanced or thinning canopies, which affect structure and increase the risk of falling limbs

Catching these issues early allows us to take simple steps before the tree reaches a critical state. It’s easier—and more affordable—to fix small problems than to deal with emergency removals or major decline.

Services Krause Family Arborist Offers Under PHC

Our plant health care services include a wide range of support options. We start with regular inspections, where we check each tree for signs of disease, pests, or structural concerns. Based on what we find, we may recommend one or more of the following:

• Soil testing and treatments to improve nutrient levels or reduce compaction
• Pest control plans that address current problems and prevent future outbreaks
• Targeted pruning to remove weak branches or reshape growing limbs
• Deadwood removal, which stops pests from spreading and reduces safety risks

Each service is based on your property’s unique needs. We don’t apply a one-size-fits-all plan. Instead, we build recommendations based on your trees, soil, and the specific conditions of your lot.

How PHC Differs From One-Time Service

A lot of tree care is reactive. You notice a problem, then call for help. Plant health care takes the opposite approach. It’s about working with your trees throughout the year, not just when something goes wrong.

This ongoing support saves money in the long run. Instead of paying for removals or repairs after damage occurs, you invest in keeping your trees healthy ahead of time. It also gives your trees a better chance to stay upright, look good, and stay safe during storms or heavy snow.

We see plant health care as a long-term partnership with your landscape. By checking in regularly, we help you avoid surprises and protect the trees that make your property stand out.

Schedule a Plant Health Care Inspection With Krause Family Arborist

If you live in the High Country and want your trees to thrive, plant health care is a smart place to start. Our team will walk your property, look for signs of trouble, and recommend treatments that support lasting health.

Call Krause Family Arborist at (828) 434-0098 to schedule a seasonal inspection. We’re here to help you care for your trees—not just when there’s a problem, but all year long. A little attention now can prevent big issues later.