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.

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

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

Yes, they are. We use treatments that, when applied properly, are safe for your family, pets, and beneficial insects.

Not all mushrooms are harmful, but they can sometimes signal internal decay in your tree. It's a good idea to have one of our experts examine it to be sure, in hopes of preventing larger structural issues down the line.

Absolutely. We offer preventative care along with treatments for existing problems. Routine tree care significantly reduces the likelihood of pests and diseases. Healthy trees are more resilient to stress and less prone to major infestations or infections. Preventative treatments are especially important for ash trees, elm trees, and other species that are attacked by aggressive boring insects.

The sooner we address it, the better the chances for recovery. In some cases, we can help the plant bounce back, but if it's too far gone, removal might be the only option. We’ll assess your trees and shrubs to determine the best course of action. If removal is necessary, we’ll provide a free quote and recommend suitable tree species for replanting. The sooner a tree is removed, the safer and more cost-effective it is. As a tree decays, it becomes dangerous and more difficult to remove.

A Plant Health Care Program is like a wellness plan for your trees and plants. It focuses on improving soil health, providing essential nutrients, and managing pests and diseases through early detection and prevention. It's similar to regular check-ups and preventive treatments, helping to ensure your trees stay healthy and strong over time.

You can handle some basic treatments for smaller trees, but more advanced treatments—like trunk injections or soil drenching—are best left to professionals. This ensures the work is done safely without harming people, pets, or the environment. Our Certified Arborists have the expertise and proper equipment to treat your trees safely and effectively.

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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.

Wood-Boring Beetles: Identifying and Controlling These Destructive Pests

Is your tree infested with wood-boring beetles? Learn to spot the signs and symptoms of infestation by beetles and destructive moth larvae so you can get professional treatment before permanent damage occurs.
worker drills hole into bark for injection

Dutch Elm Disease: Identifying, Treating, and Preventing This Deadly Tree Disease

Don't let Dutch Elm Disease destroy your valuable shade trees. Follow our expert guide to identification, treatment & prevention to help stop the spread to neighboring trees.
dutch elm tree

Iron Chlorosis: Identifying and Treating This Common Nutrient Deficiency in Trees

Iron chlorosis is a condition of trees and shrubs caused by an iron deficiency that can lead to losses in growth and potentially, death.
Two trees growing on a front yard of a property, one with yellow leaves showing signs of iron chlorosis and the other looking healthy.

Webworm Infestations: How to Protect Your Trees

Webworms are small, tannish-brown caterpillars that measure around half-an-inch long that spin thin, cotton-like webs around trees. 
webworms

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.