Insect and Disease Control

Protecting Des Moines' Trees from Harmful Pests and Diseases

Professional Tree Healthcare for a Healthy, Vibrant Landscape

At Arbor Masters, we specialize in keeping trees healthy with expert insect and disease management. Our certified Des Moines arborists have the skills to identify and treat tree health issues, ensuring complete care for your landscape.

Disease Treatment 

If your tree shows stress from diseases or fungal infections, we offer targeted treatments. In severe cases, we may recommend tree removal to protect nearby trees.

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 use preventative fungicide treatments at the start of the disease season, boosting your trees' resistance and helping them stay healthy year-round.

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

Noticing increased insect activity on your trees in Des Moines? We can help. Our insecticide treatments target harmful local pests without harming beneficial insects, animals, or plants.

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

We provide timely treatments to minimize the risk of insect infestations, keeping your Des Moines trees healthy and safeguarding your property’s value throughout the season.

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

Signs Your Des Moines Tree Might Need Help

Trees often show visible signs when they're facing pests or diseases. Here are some key indicators that your tree may need professional care:

Discolored or spotted leaves

Chewed or damaged leaves

Premature leaf drop

Cracked or peeling bark

Dead or dying branches

Large holes in the trunk

Stunted growth or thinning foliage

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“Awesome Throughout the Entire Process”

"The Arbor Masters team was awesome throughout the entire process. They were very responsive and quick to get a fair quote. The project was done with no mess, and they did a great job. Thanks for your work! "

Ben Schultz

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“Skill and Precision”

"Very quick to respond to my request for a quote. Sent an arborist to check out the tree in question. Price was very competitive. Got us onto the schedule in a short period of time. The work was done with skill and precision. After cleaning up you would never know they had been there. "

V Loebig

Keep Your Trees Healthy with Professional Care

Protect your trees from insects and diseases with the help of our skilled arborists. We’ll develop a custom treatment plan to restore and preserve your trees’ long-term health.

Our Approach to Managing Tree Pests and Diseases

At Arbor Masters, we follow a detailed, science-based process to protect your trees from pests and diseases:

  • 1

    Comprehensive Inspection

    We thoroughly assess your trees and their environment.

  • 2

    Precise Diagnosis

    Our expert arborists identify the exact issue affecting your trees.

  • 3

    Tailored Treatment Plan

    We craft a customized plan to address your tree’s specific need.

  • 4

    Professional Treatment

    Our team applies proven, targeted treatments, often using trunk injections or soil drenching.

  • 5

    Continuous Care

    We provide ongoing support to maintain your trees’ long-term health and prevent future issues.

Common Tree Pests and Diseases in Des Moines

Trees in Des Moines face many pest and disease challenges. Here are some of the most common issues we encounter each year:

  • Emerald Ash Borer: This invasive beetle has been devastating ash trees throughout the Midwest, including the Des Moines area.

  • Oak Wilt: A fast-acting disease that can kill oak trees. To prevent its spread, we avoid pruning oaks until winter.

  • Fungal Infections: Various fungi attack tree roots, often due to poor drainage, which is a frequent problem in some parts of Des Moines.

  • Root Rot: A condition where tree roots begin to decay and weaken, often as a result of overwatering or soil-borne fungi.

  • Aphids: These small insects suck sap from leaves and branches, often leaving behind a sticky residue.

  • Dutch Elm Disease: A deadly fungal disease that rapidly kills elm trees, spread by elm bark beetles and through root grafts in the soil.

  • Apple Scab: A fungal disease that impacts apple and crabapple trees, leading to leaf spots and early leaf drop.

  • Anthracnose: A fungal disease that affects trees like sycamore, ash, and maple, which are common in the Des Moines area.

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Did You Know?

Partnering to Combat the Emerald Ash Borer

Preventing, controlling, and combating one of the most destructive forest pests in the U.S., the emerald ash borer, requires a tremendous amount of cooperation. That’s why we’re proud to partner with the City of Des Moines to prolong the lives of the city’s ash trees.

Why Choose Arbor Masters for Tree Health Services?

When it comes to tree care, certifications, experience, and local knowledge, are key. Here’s why Des Moines residents and business owners trust us:

Our team includes ISA Certified Arborists.

We’re TCIA Accredited, adhering to the highest tree care standards.

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

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

We are fully insured, so you can have peace of mind with our services.

We understand the unique needs of Des Moines trees and what helps them thrive.

We use eco-friendly methods that are safe for your landscape.

We focus on both solving and preventing tree health issues.

Two emerald ash borer on a leaf procreating during spring in Kansas City, MO

Trust Arbor Masters for Your Des Moines Tree Health Care

Our Certified Arborists are here to ensure your trees stay strong and vibrant for many more years.

FAQs About Tree Pests and Diseases

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“Professional and Knowledgeable”

"Arbor Masters has always taken care of my tree needs, from removal, to trimming, to fertilizing and everything else. They are a fabulous company. All employees are professional and knowledgeable. They take a sincere interest in you and your tree needs. I highly recommend them! "

Barbara Wood

Our Service Area

Recent Articles from Our Blog

Explore our latest blog posts covering local tree pests and fungal infections. Find important tips for maintaining your trees’ health and safety throughout the year.

Is Your Tree Dormant or Dying? A Guide to Winter Tree Care in Des Moines

Cold snaps ahead? No problem. Our Des Moines winter tree care guide walks you month by month to keep trees thriving now and blooming come spring.
Arbor Masters arborist pruning tall deciduous trees with red spider lift equipment during winter in Des Moines.

Why Arborists Recommend Winter for Tree Removal and Major Pruning

Think tree work has to wait for spring? Think again. Winter tree removal in Cedar Rapids is safer, cheaper, and smarter – see why the pros prefer it.
Arborist performing winter tree removal by climbing and cutting a tall trunk with safety gear.

How to Make Your Midwest Trees’ Fall Colors More Vibrant: A Tree Care Guide for Spectacular Autumn Foliage

Tired of dull fall trees? Discover proven methods to enhance fall tree colors in the Midwest through strategic fertilization, pruning & soil treatments.
Vibrant fall foliage displaying brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds along forest path in healthy Midwest woodland.

Spotting and Fixing Dangerous Girdling Roots Before They Strangle Your Trees

Girdling roots in Des Moines can silently kill mature trees. Learn how to spot early signs, best treatment timing, and when removal is the safer choice.
Close-up of a tree trunk with girdling roots wrapping tightly around the base, restricting the root flare and trunk growth.

Give Your Trees Get the Care They Need

Protect your trees from pests and diseases by reaching out to Arbor Masters today. Let us help keep your trees healthy and thriving.