By Ian McGuire, Arborist, Willow Tree and Landscaping Service
As 2025 winds down, I’ve been reflecting on what this season taught us about the trees and landscapes across Bucks, Montgomery, Mercer, and Hunterdon Counties. Our Plant Health Care (PHC) team at Willow Tree and Landscaping Service spent the year tackling new challenges, studying emerging diseases, and helping property owners strengthen their trees for the long term.
This year brought both challenges and bright spots, each one offering lessons to carry into 2026.
Beech Leaf Disease Spreads Rapidly
The most concerning issue this year was Beech Leaf Disease (BLD). What started in small pockets around New Hope has now spread throughout Bucks and Montgomery Counties, with Doylestown being particularly hard hit in 2025. By the end of summer, I was seeing crinkled, curling leaves and thinning canopies in almost every beech tree I saw.
Left untreated, BLD can fatally weaken trees within a few years, so early detection is critical. Our team has invested heavily in creating what we think is the most effective and competitive Beech Leaf Disease management program, focused on targeted macro-injections that help trees resist the microscopic nematode responsible for the disease.
Looking ahead, I expect we’ll see even more cases in 2026. My goal is to help homeowners recognize symptoms early, protect high-value specimens, and slow the spread wherever possible.
Widespread Scale Insect Activity
One of the biggest issues I saw this year was scale insect activity, particularly on magnolias and cherry laurels. These tiny pests feed on trees and shrubs and can cause damage and death if untreated. Some varieties of scale (soft scales to be precise) also leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew, which promotes black sooty mold that coats leaves and nearby surfaces.
At Willow, we’ve developed targeted prevention and control programs for both soft and hard scale species common in our area. With consistent soil and foliar treatments and regular follow-up inspections, we’ve been able to restore vigor to many affected properties.
My advice: keep an eye out early in the season. Catching scale before populations explode makes a huge difference in long-term plant health.
Another important tip: Do NOT fertilize insect-infected plants until the insect has been dealt with. You can end up feeding the insect more than the plant and make the problem even worse.
Ongoing Drought Stress & Leaf Scorch
Another continuing challenge is bacterial leaf scorch on oaks, made worse by the hotter, drier summers we’ve been experiencing. This stress weakens trees, reduces canopy density, and can make them more vulnerable to pests and other diseases.
To help, we’ve focused on root-stimulating Growth Regulators to improve water and nutrient uptake, as well as Antibiotic Injections to combat the bacteria themselves. In addition, improving soil health and water retention through treatments like Bio-Hydration and Deep Root Fertilization provides further support. Together, these applications improve soil structure, strengthen roots, and help trees hold onto moisture longer during dry stretches. I’ve seen noticeable improvement in tree color and canopy density within months of treatment.
These proactive measures are becoming essential as our climate continues to trend toward longer, warmer dry periods.
A Bright Spot: Recovery from Volutella Blight
Not every trend this year was negative. One of the most encouraging results came from our work managing Volutella blight on pachysandra groundcover. In 2024, this disease was widespread. By applying focused treatments and monitoring recovery closely, we were able to bring many properties back to full health this year. It’s a great example of how consistent PHC care pays off over time.
“Unsung Hero” Treatments That Made a Difference
Some of the most effective treatments this year weren’t new—they were the reliable, science-backed services that consistently deliver results.
- Growth regulator + Bio-Hydration combinations gave mature trees renewed strength and stability.
- Annual boxwood soil treatments produced dramatic improvements in plant density and color.
- Deep Root Fertilization helped stressed ornamentals recover faster after drought.
These quieter treatments might not get much attention, but they’re often what makes the biggest difference for long-term tree health.
Winter: The Best Time for Structural Pruning
As the season ends, I always remind homeowners that winter is one of the best times for pruning and inspection. With leaves down, it’s easier to see the branch structure and make cuts that promote strong, balanced growth.
It’s also the perfect time to plan your 2026 Plant Health Care (PHC) program. By reviewing what we observed this year, like Beech Leaf Disease spread and ongoing drought stress, we can prepare custom, proactive plans to protect your property before spring growth begins.
A bit of planning now leads to fewer issues and healthier trees next year.
Growth and Education at Willow
I’m proud to be part of a company that values continuous learning. At Willow Tree and Landscaping Service, our arborists and PHC technicians regularly attend industry seminars and certification programs to stay ahead of emerging pests, diseases, and soil management techniques.
That ongoing education ensures every recommendation we make is based on current research and field-tested experience, something I believe is essential to providing the best care possible for our clients and their trees.
Why Homeowners Choose Willow Tree and Landscaping Service
In my 15+ years with Willow Tree and Landscaping Service, one thing has always stood out: our commitment to personalized, science-based care. Every property we work on receives a plan tailored to its specific tree species, soil conditions, and long-term goals.
Our certified technicians are trained to spot potential problems early, take corrective action before damage sets in, and communicate clearly about each step of the process. That’s how we help homeowners protect both the health and beauty of their landscapes, year after year.
Ready to prepare your property for a healthy new year?
Contact our team today at 267-589-1231 or visit us online to schedule your free, no-pressure inspection.