How to Remove Pests and Diseases From Your Trees and Shrubs

A lush and thriving landscape is the pride of any property owner, but pests and diseases can quickly derail those efforts. From spider mites to bacterial infections, your trees and shrubs face countless challenges throughout the year. These health threats not only harm the greenery but also affect the overall aesthetic and value of your outdoor spaces, especially for businesses in heavy foot-traffic regions like Orlando, FL.

If you’re wondering how to tackle these issues, you’ve landed in the right place. This guide will equip you with actionable steps to effectively identify, remove, and prevent pests and diseases from affecting your trees and shrubs. Read on to fortify your landscape while maintaining its beauty and structure.

Why Trees and Shrubs Are Vulnerable

Healthy trees and shrubs are essential components of any well-maintained landscape, particularly in commercial properties. However, the climate, environment, and frequent plant care mistakes can leave them prone to a range of issues, such as:

Pests like aphids, spider mites, scale insects, or caterpillars.
Diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses, including root rot or leaf spot.

The importance of routine maintenance cannot be overstated, especially in Orlando’s humid subtropical climate, which acts as a breeding ground for many pests and plant diseases.

To keep your shrubs and trees in pristine condition, handling pest and disease outbreaks as soon as they’re detected is crucial.

Signs of Pests and Diseases on Trees and Shrubs

Not sure if your greenery is in trouble? Here are some common signs to watch for when inspecting your trees and shrubs:

Pests

Look closely for these indications that harmful insects might be present:

Discolored Leaves or Holes: Caterpillars, beetles, and similar pests feed on leaves, leaving visible damage.
Sticky Residue (Honeydew): A sign that sap-sucking pests like aphids or scale insects are draining your plants of nutrients.
Webbing: Spider mites leave thin webbing on branches and leaves as they feed.
Wilting or Yellowing: Caused by sap-sucking insects that prevent nutrient flow.

Diseases

Diseases tend to develop over time but often share these symptoms:

Brown or Black Spots on leaves indicate fungal infections like anthracnose or leaf spot.
Mildew (White Powdery Substance): A sign of powdery mildew infecting the surface of leaves.
Root Rot manifests as yellowing leaves and weak, drooping branches.
Crusty Bark or Cankers resulting from bacterial infections.

Being attentive to these signs early helps you prevent large-scale damage.

Effective Ways to Remove Pests and Disease

Now that you know what to look for, how do you combat these pesky invaders and protect your commercial landscaping investment in Orlando, FL? Here are proven solutions to tackle different types of threats:

1. Prune Affected Areas

Pruning is one of the simplest ways to remove diseased branches, leaves, or stems before the issue spreads to the rest of the plant. Always:

Cut 6–12 inches away from diseased sections.
Sterilize your tools before and after pruning to prevent spreading the disease.

Proactive pruning also improves airflow, which can reduce fungal infections.

2. Use Horticultural Oils

Horticultural oils, like neem oil, are effective for smothering pests such as spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. These oils disrupt pest development without harming beneficial insects or the environment. Apply during the late evening or early morning to avoid burning the foliage in intense sunlight.

3. Apply Organic or Chemical Sprays

When pest infestations are severe, insecticidal sprays containing pyrethrin or bifenthrin may be required. For diseases, fungicides containing ingredients like copper sulfate or chlorothalonil are effective options. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and wear protective equipment when applying treatments.

4. Encourage Beneficial Predators

Nature has its way of balancing ecosystems. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps on your property to control pests naturally. This minimizes the need for chemical intervention.

5. Improve Soil Health

Healthy soil builds strong plants that are naturally resistant to pests and diseases. Use:

Organic compost to enrich the soil with nutrients.
A layer of mulch to lock in moisture and regulate temperature.

High-quality soil is particularly important in Orlando’s sandy landscapes, where nutrients deplete rapidly.

6. Water Properly

Overwatering or underwatering often stresses plants and makes them more vulnerable to disease. Invest in an irrigation system to provide consistent, appropriate hydration to your shrubs and trees.

7. Consider Professional Landscaping Services

Some tree and shrub diseases, such as verticillium wilt or fire blight, are difficult to manage without expert intervention. Partnering with a professional commercial landscaping service like Plant This ensures pests and diseases are handled properly, saving your greenery and reducing long-term risks.

Preventative Measures to Keep Pests and Diseases Away

Prevention is your best bet for maintaining the health of your landscape moving forward. Adopt these strategies for a pest- and disease-free environment in your commercial space:

Regular Inspections: Check trees and shrubs for early signs of trouble at least every two weeks.
Annual Fertilization enriches soil quality and promotes robust plant health.
Companion Planting, such as marigolds or garlic near your shrubs, naturally repels certain pests.
Install Barriers like sticky traps or tree bands to discourage climbing insects.

How a Commercial Landscaping Service in Orlando, FL Can Help

Looking for expert advice backed by years of experience? At Plant This, our commercial landscaping team in Orlando, FL, specializes in keeping your outdoor space green and healthy. We use the latest techniques to protect your property from pests, diseases, and the chaos of Florida’s challenging weather.

Don’t gamble with your landscape’s future. Our professional team makes pest and disease removal stress-free, letting you focus on growing your business while we take care of your greenery.

Need help now? Contact Plant This today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can restore health and beauty to your trees and shrubs.