Does Organic Pest Control Tree Spraying Work?
Organic pest control methods for treating tree pests and diseases like aphids, scale insects, borers, and mites are often just as effective, if not more so, than traditional chemical treatments.
In many cases, organic treatments can also be more affordable. Leading certified tree experts, like those at Urban Forest Pro, prioritize organic tree spraying treatments as their first line of defense. They only resort to chemical treatments when organic methods fail, when the pest or disease is too widespread for organic solutions to manage, or when past experience has shown organic treatments to be ineffective. Urban Forest Pro is committed to using organic tree sprays including neem oil, horticultural oil, and dormant oil because they believe the environmental cost of chemical pesticides always outweighs any potential benefits. In fact, based on their extensive experience, they have found that organic sprays often perform better for the pests common to their area while protecting pollinators and beneficial insects.
When seeking professional tree spraying services for disease and pest control, it's crucial to choose an arborist with the right expertise and ISA certification. Even if an arborist is able to correctly identify the pest or disease through a thorough tree health assessment, there are many different pest control products available, each with varying price points, all designed for natural pest control. It's only through practical experience that an arborist can discern which products will work best for your tree in your local climate. Urban Forest Pro boasts a team of skilled licensed and insured arborists and consultants with years of experience diagnosing and treating tree diseases such as root rot, blight, and canker and pests throughout the Pacific Northwest using precision organic spraying services. The company guarantees customer satisfaction and provides free estimates to residential and commercial property owners.
Contact us today for a free estimate!
Pros and Cons of Organic Pest Control
What's better for pest control - organic or not organic?
Sometimes when you are looking for tree spraying services near you, you want to go "au natural" when controlling pests in your garden or yard, and only an organic product will do. However, sometimes non-organic products are best—and not necessarily unfriendly to the environment.
For example, some non-organic bark sprays are better at permeating the tree (not the air around it), which is an eco-friendly 
approach without being technically organic. Foliar sprays might come with an organic label, but when they’re being released into the air, suddenly they’re not as green as you’d like.
So, organic or not organic? There are pros and cons to either approach, and it's important that landscapers, gardeners and contractors choose wisely. Property managers and municipal regulators also evaluate these options from a long-term investment perspective. Consider this your cheat sheet to picking the best product for you, your landscape, and the environment.
Pro: (Sometimes) Better for the Environment
You may be able to lighten your carbon footprint, depending on the product and application. According to numerous studies, including from Montana University’s Agricultural Department, chemical pesticides stick around in the atmosphere longer than organic options. They also linger in waterways and in the soil well after the application is made. This can lead to a lot of collateral damage—organic pesticides may minimize environmental impacts.
Pro: Better for the Soil
Studies have also showcased that farmers who used chemical pesticides later saw a big change in soil health. Between 1940 and 1991, it’s estimated by the US government that trace minerals (the good stuff) in fruits and vegetables fell by over 75 percent due to unhealthy soil. Soil isn’t just necessary to simply grow plants, fruits and veggies, but it also contributes directly to the nutrients that you and your family might be depending on. Organic pesticides can help soil remain healthy by supporting microorganisms and mycorrhizae—and that's passed down to you and your dinner plate.
Pro: A Healthier You
According to studies published in the Pesticides Literature Review journal, chemicals have been strongly linked to a number of diseases and chronic illnesses. Cancer, reproductive problems and nervous system ailments have all been connected to the use of chemical pesticides due to pesticide residue and toxicity concerns. Childhood conditions are especially prevalent, such as leukemia, asthma and neurological disorders. Safe, non-toxic, and pet-safe organic treatments eliminate these risks while providing child-safe solutions for families.
Con: They’re More Costly
Anyone who's debated the organic banana vs. the "regular" one at the grocery store knows that going organic is often going to cost you. Our pest control services start at $195 with competitive pricing and flexible scheduling options, plus payment options and financing available. However, only you can make the call if it's worth it or not for you and your needs. Think of the big picture and what you really want to accomplish.
Con: They’re Not Always as Effective
Chemical approaches to pest management became so popular because they're cheap, fast and they work. Organic approaches might not always be as effective, but that's also not always the case. Certified arborists assess each pest infestation individually and recommend customized treatment plans based on proven results. Read reviews and check references and testimonials, get expert help and make sure you're tackling pests the right way for the best results. Integrated pest management approaches combine preventative care with targeted treatments to protect tree health and maintain long-lasting results.
Con: They Might Take Longer
In the world of construction, it’s often said that you can only have two of three things: Speed, quality or low cost. Some might say the same is often true of organic pest management. Yes, chemical pesticides work at lightning speed—but at what cost? Some organic approaches might take a bit more time, but it’s worth it for some. However, for emergency situations requiring prompt response, many local arborists offer same-day service and 24/7 availability with emergency response teams.
When choosing organic vs. non-organic options, keep an open mind and consider what end result you’d most like.
When it comes to top-notch tree services in Portland, Urban Forest Pro has you covered, whether you are looking for tree spraying services, removals, tree cabling, or something else contact Urban Forest Pro today.
When it comes to top-notch tree services in Portland, Urban Forest Pro has you covered, whether you are looking for tree spraying services, removals, tree cabling, or something else including seasonal treatment programs and preventive maintenance services contact Urban Forest Pro today for a free consultation and written estimate.
