Tree Health Care
ISA-Certified THC & Plant Health Care (PHC) Programs for Durham Region
A sick or structurally compromised tree doesn't always need to come down — but it does need professional attention. Our ISA Certified arborists and Skilled Trades Ontario Registered Utility Arborists deliver full Tree Health Care (THC) and Plant Health Care (PHC) programs: diagnosing disease, pest damage, soil issues, and structural defects, then developing a care plan that gives your trees and landscape the best chance at a long, healthy life.
Why Choose UTS
- ISA Certified arborists
- Fully insured & WSIB
- Free no-obligation quotes
- Same-day emergency available
- Complete site cleanup
What You Get With Our Tree Health Care Service
Accurate Diagnosis
We identify the specific issue — not just the symptoms. Whether it's EAB, verticillium wilt, girdling roots, or lightning damage, the treatment depends on getting the diagnosis right.
Written THC / PHC Care Plan
You receive a written assessment and multi-year Tree Health Care or Plant Health Care plan with clear recommendations and cost estimates — following ISA best management practices.
Liability Documentation
For trees near structures, our written ISA Tree Risk Assessment provides documentation that can protect you in the event of a claim.
Proactive Approach
Catching and treating problems early is almost always cheaper than removal. Regular THC assessments from our Skilled Trades Ontario Registered arborists save you money long-term.
Our Process
Visual Inspection
Our ISA Certified Utility Arborists assess the crown, trunk, root flare, and soil — looking for discoloration, dieback, cracks, cavities, and other PHC indicators.
Diagnosis
We identify the specific disease, pest, or structural issue and classify it within an ISA-standard THC risk framework.
Care Plan
We recommend specific treatments — pruning, fertilization, pest management, cabling, or removal — as part of your written Plant Health Care program.
Follow-Up
We schedule follow-up visits to monitor response to treatment and adjust the PHC plan as needed over multiple growing seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tree Health Care (THC)?
Tree Health Care (THC) is a systematic, science-based approach to maintaining tree health — combining regular monitoring, diagnosis, and targeted treatment rather than reactive removal. It's the same approach used by ISA Certified arborists and Skilled Trades Ontario Registered professionals.
What is Plant Health Care (PHC)?
Plant Health Care (PHC) extends tree care principles to your entire landscape — shrubs, ornamentals, and soil health included. Our PHC programs address the whole ecosystem of your property, not just individual trees.
My tree has a fungus on it — is it dying?
Not necessarily. Some fungi (like shelf fungi) are indicators of internal decay, while others are harmless. A professional THC assessment is needed to evaluate severity and risk.
Can a tree recover from Emerald Ash Borer?
If caught early enough, EAB-infested ash trees can be treated with systemic insecticide (TreeAzin) that has good efficacy. However, trees that have lost more than 30–50% of their crown are generally beyond recovery.
What's included in a risk assessment?
Our risk assessments follow ISA Tree Risk Assessment standards. We evaluate likelihood of failure, likelihood of striking a target, and consequence of failure — producing a written report with specific recommendations.
What's the treatment for Beech Leaf Disease (BLD)?
Beech Leaf Disease is caused by an invasive nematode (Litylenchus crenatae mccannii) spreading across Southern Ontario. There is currently no cure, but the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) has approved an emergency-use registration for Arbotect 20S (thiabendazole) — a root flare injection performed by a licensed arborist that has shown results in reducing nematode populations and leaf symptoms. Early diagnosis through a PHC assessment is the critical first step. Contact us to discuss whether your beech trees are candidates for treatment.
Why isn't BTK working on my boxwoods?
BTK (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki) only kills caterpillar larvae — it's effective for box tree moth, which is a moth caterpillar. But if your boxwoods have boxwood leafminer (a midge, not a caterpillar), BTK does nothing. Leafminer damage looks similar — cupped, blistered, or thickened leaves — but the correct treatment is insecticidal soap, a pyrethrin-based soil drench, or horticultural oil applied at the right stage. Correct diagnosis before treatment is exactly why PHC matters.
What regulated tree pests should Ontario homeowners know about?
Three pests on the CFIA and Ontario government watch list are most relevant for Durham Region and GTA: Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) — regulated across Southern Ontario, with firewood movement restrictions; Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) — spreading rapidly, do not move beech seedlings or leaf litter from infested areas; and Beech Bark Disease (BBD) — a complex of scale insect and fungal cankers affecting American beech. See inspection.canada.ca for current regulated areas. If you suspect any of these on your property, a written PHC assessment gives you documented footing for any next steps.
Tree Health CareAcross Durham Region & Beyond
We provide tree health care in every community we serve — with the same ISA certified standards on every job.
Get A Free Quote — No Obligation
Whether you need a single tree removed or a full seasonal care program, we build a plan around your property and budget. Serving Ajax, Whitby, Pickering, and all of Durham Region — no-obligation quotes, every time.