Tree Insect and Disease Control

Protecting Cedar Rapids' Trees from Harmful Pests and Diseases

Expert Tree Healthcare for a
Thriving Landscape

We're experts at keeping your trees in top shape through effective insect and disease management. Our team of certified arborists has the knowledge and tools to spot and address a wide range of tree health issues, providing complete care for the recovering tree canopy here in Cedar Rapids.

Disease Treatment 

We offer a range of treatments to help trees recover from prevalent diseases. If necessary, we may suggest removing a tree to prevent the disease from affecting other trees nearby.

PHC crew of Arbor Masters drilling on a tree trunk to prep the tree before injecting solutions in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Disease Prevention

Our arborists apply routine fungicide treatments at the beginning of the local disease transmission season, enhancing your trees' resistance and keeping them healthy throughout the year.

A close up look of oak blight leaves in Iowa.
Insect Treatment

See an uptick in insect activity on your trees? We can intervene. Our insecticide treatments target harmful pests common in Cedar Rapids while maintaining ecological balance.

Tree sprays by a PHC crew of Arbor Masters in Robins, IA.
Insect Prevention

We work with you and provide timely treatments to reduce the risk of infestations, keeping your trees strong and healthy through the season and protecting your property’s value.

A close up look of an emerald ash borer on a leaf of a tree in Marion, IA.

Signs Your Tree Might Need Help

Trees show us when they're under attack. Here are important signs that your tree might have a pest or disease problem that needs professional attention:

Leaves with unusual colors or spots

Leaves that look chewed or damaged

Leaves falling off too early

Bark that's cracking or peeling

Dead or dying branches

Large holes in the trunk

Slow growth or thinning leaves

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Knowledgeable, polite and efficient.

"Arbor Masters Tree Service did an outstanding job from initial visit by an arborist, quoting process, contract, scheduling and actual professional work. The crew was knowledgeable, polite and efficient. Fabulous job from beginning to end."

Cynthia Andersen

Protect Your Trees with Expert Care

Don't let insects or diseases harm your trees. Our experienced arborists will create a custom treatment plan to restore and maintain your trees' health.

How We Handle Tree Pests and Diseases 

Here at Advantage, an Arbor Masters company, we use a step-by-step, science-based approach to keep trees healthy, mitigating the damage done by harmful pests and fungal diseases:

  • 1

    Thorough Inspection

    We start by carefully examining your trees and the surrounding area. 

  • 2

    Problem Identification

    Our arborists use their expertise to pinpoint exactly what's affecting your trees.

  • 3

    Treatment Plan

    We develop a targeted plan that addresses your specific tree health concerns. 

  • 4

    Expert Treatment 

    Our team carefully applies the treatments based on proven methods in tree care.

  • 5

    Ongoing Care

    We follow up to ensure long-term tree health and help prevent future problems.

Common Tree Pests and Diseases in Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids trees face several significant pest and disease threats. Here are some of the most common issues we see:

  • Emerald Ash Borer: A destructive beetle that decimates ash trees across Iowa and much of the eastern United States.

  • Oak Wilt: A disease that can quickly kill oak trees, which is why we avoid pruning oaks until winter.

  • Fungal Growths: Various fungi that attack tree roots, often due to poor drainage, which is a common issue in some parts of Cedar Rapids. 

  • Root Rot: Over time, trees can use up the nutrients in the soil around them, especially in landscapes where leaves and organic matter are regularly removed.

  • Aphids: Small, sap-sucking insects that can damage leaves and branches, often leaving behind a sticky residue. 

  • Dutch Elm Disease: A devastating fungal disease that rapidly kills elm trees. It spreads by elm bark beetles and can quickly move through root grafts in the soil. 

  • Apple Scab: A fungal disease that affects apple and crabapple trees, causing leaf spots and premature leaf drop. 

  • Anthracnose: A group of fungal diseases that can harm many types of trees, particularly sycamore, ash, and maple in our area.

A PHC crew of Arbor Masters Injecting solutions to treat root disease of a tree in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Reasons to Choose Arbor Masters for Tree Health Services

When it comes to caring for your trees, experience and qualifications matter. Here's why Cedar Rapids residents and business owners trust us:

We have ISA-Certified Arborists on our team.

We're TCIA Accredited and meet the highest standards in tree care. 

We have a Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) on staff. 

We're members of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). 

We’re fully insured for tree work so you have nothing to worry about. 

We know all about the trees in Cedar Rapids and what they need to thrive.

We prioritize environmentally friendly methods that are safe for your yard. 

We don't just fix problems - we help prevent them too. 

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No shortcuts taken.

"The company brought the right equipment for the job. They were thorough.  No short cuts were taken. Each crew member was very courteous. Clean up was excellent."

Stephen Eckert

Let Us Help Save Your Trees

Our team of certified arborists is ready to help keep your trees healthy and beautiful for years to come.

FAQs About Tree Diseases and Insects

Absolutely. We use treatments that are safe for people, animals, and beneficial insects when used correctly. 

While not all mushrooms are bad news, they can sometimes indicate that your tree has internal decay. It's best to have one of our tree experts take a look to be sure. 

Yes, we can! We offer both treatments for existing problems and routine care to help prevent issues. Regular, proper tree care can greatly reduce the risk of pest and disease problems. Healthy trees are less susceptible to environmental stressors and are less likely to develop serious pest or disease issues. 

The sooner we catch a problem, the better our chances of treating it successfully. Sometimes we can still help the plant recover, but in other cases, it might be too late to save it. Give us a call, and we'll come assess your trees and shrubs. We always try our best to save trees - removing them is our last resort. If removal is necessary, we can provide you with a free quote and also recommend ideal tree species to plant in its place.  

A Plant Health Care Program is like a wellness plan for your trees and plants. It includes improving the soil, giving your plants the nutrients they need, and managing pests and diseases by finding them early, controlling them, and preventing new problems. Think of it as regular check-ups and care to keep your trees healthy. 

While there are some treatments you can do yourself for small trees, many effective treatments need to be done by professionals, including trunk injections or soil drenching. This ensures the treatment is done correctly and doesn't harm people, pets, or the environment. Our certified arborists have the knowledge and the right tools to treat your trees safely and effectively. 

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Job well done.

"Wow, the people you had working at my mothers house was an excellent group! They were all polite and the precision work was spectacular. They treated this job as if they were doing it on their own property. My mother enjoyed watching them and she also said not one got on their cell phones like most people do nowadays."

Brian Rawson

Our Service Area

Our Recent Articles

Check out some of our recent blog articles highlighting the most common tree pests in our area, the fungal infections we see most, and how to keep your trees healthy and safe year-round.

Fall Fertilization: The Key to Healthy Trees

Temperatures are going down, the leaves are starting to turn and local plant care is just as important now as ever; when should I start to think about fertilization?

Fall Leaf Colors in the Midwest: Why Trees Change Color and When to Expect It

In this blog, we dive deep into the science behind how and why fall color change happens, give some examples of our favorite tree transformations, look into factors that may hurt your trees from joining in the spectacle and explore our own Midwest and Ozarks regions’ striking transformations.
Fall season in MO.

Evergreen Trees for Midwest Landscapes: Broadleaf vs. Needle Varieties

Discover the diverse world of evergreen trees – from broadleaf to needle varieties. Learn how these resilient trees adorn landscapes and enrich ecosystems. Get expert insights on choosing, nurturing and caring for evergreens.
AM truck and evergreem tree with cones in front.

Winter Tree Care: Debunking the Myth of Trees Not Needing Water

Uncover the misconception that trees don't need water in winter with our expert insights. Dive into the necessity of winter tree hydration to equip your trees to endure the cold and thrive in challenging conditions. Learn the signs of dehydration, optimal watering techniques, and the benefits of proper winter tree care. Trust our certified arborists' guidance for resilient, flourishing trees year-round.
WIthering tree on a winter day in Kansas City.

Give Your Trees the Care They Deserve

Don't let pests or diseases harm your beautiful trees. Contact Advantage, an Arbor Masters company, today. We'll help keep your trees healthy and strong.