Burkholder Plant Health Care in Ardmore PA

Burkholder PHC is a trusted choice for certified arborists, tree surgeons, and specialists in plant health care in Ardmore PA. Our extensive knowledge and custom approach in plant pest management, lawn care, and soil care transform landscapes into the thriving, sustainable ecosystems they were designed to be.

Settled in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Main Line, Ardmore is a town rich with history. Originally called Athensville in the 1800s, Ardmore is now named after Ardmore in County Waterford, Ireland, where the name means “high grounds or hills.”

Ardmore is noted for its vibrant lifestyle, with an abundance of things to do, from shopping and dining at local boutiques and restaurants to exploring Ardmore’s numerous parks and recreational areas. Notable landmarks like the popular Ardmore Music Hall and the Suburban Square shopping center, one of the earliest planned suburban shopping centers, speak to the area’s cultural vibrancy. Ardmore was also home to basketball great Kobe Bryant and architectural designer Julian Abele. Ardmore’s history and unique essence making the town a desirable place to live.

Ardmore, Pennsylvania has many picturesque and well-maintained landscapes. The area features a mix of historic and modern homes surrounded by trees and lush greenery, making the area a visually appealing and ecologically diverse community.

Ardmore’s landscape features a variety of native and ornamental trees that contribute to the area’s natural beauty and ecological health. Common native tree species include

• American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)
• Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
• Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

These trees are integral to the local ecosystem, providing habitats for birds and other wildlife​​.

Ornamental trees such as Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida), Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum), and various species of Magnolia add aesthetic value to residential landscapes and public parks. Additionally, shrubs like Azaleas (Rhododendron spp), Rhododendrons (also Rhododendron spp.), and Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) are common in the area, offering vibrant colors and seasonal interest​.

Like many regions, Ardmore faces challenges from invasive plant species that threaten native flora. Some of the prevalent invasive species include Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica), which can aggressively take over landscapes and displace native plants. The Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), known for its rapid growth and resilience, also poses a significant threat. Additionally, the Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora) and Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) are common invaders, forming dense thickets that crowd out native species and reduce biodiversity

Tree and plant health care in Ardmore involves addressing common issues that can affect the health and longevity of local trees. One major concern is the presence of pests such as the Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis), which poses a significant threat to Ash trees. Infestations can lead to severe damage and potentially the death of affected trees if not managed promptly​​.

Fungal diseases, such as Oak Wilt, are also a concern, particularly for trees like the Red Oak (Quercus rubra) and other oak species. Oak Wilt is caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum (formerly Ceratocystis fagacearum) and is known to spread quickly, causing leaf discoloration, wilting, and eventually tree death if not treated promptly

Environmental stressors, like heavy storms, drought, and soil compaction have also impacted tree health in Ardmore. Drought conditions can lead to dehydration and stress, making trees more vulnerable to pests and diseases. Heavy storms can cause physical damage, such as broken branches and uprooted trees. Soil compaction, which is often caused by construction activities or heavy foot traffic, can hinder root growth and water absorption, leading to long-term health issues for trees​.

Regular tree care practices, including proper watering, mulching, pruning, and monitoring for signs of pests and diseases, are essential for maintaining the health and beauty of Ardmore’s landscape. Working with certified arborists and plant health care professionals ensures that trees receive the care they need to thrive in this Pennsylvania community.

We serve numerous locations along the Main Line, such as Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, Chadds Ford, Chester Springs, and more. Explore our service areas to learn more.

Our plant health care manager Starker manages the entire team of PHC specialists and has a great deal of experience and expertise in plant health care. His history of over 30 years covers a wide variety of skills and experience, including

• a degree in agroecology from University of Massachusetts, which he earned while acting as the field coordinator of the University of Massachusetts Tree Fruit Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program
• work with the Insect Behavior and Ecology Program at the Appalachian Fruit Research Station with USDA-Agricultural Research Service in Kearneysville, West Virginia, developing and testing biologically based management techniques for key native and invasive pests of tree fruit
• work as a Plant Health Care specialist, Arborist Representative, and manager

Starker has authored and co-authored over 80 research and extension publications, focusing on integration of biological, cultural, and chemical management of tree health. He has also made some discoveries in the field while working for Burkholder PHC. With our team and Starker’s over 30 years of experience, you can trust that Burkholder PHC will help ensure that your landscape plants and trees thrive and look beautiful year after year.

Burkholder PHC’s tree and plant health care specialists offer a free consultation We will inspect your trees and plants to determine if there are any problems such as insect infestation, disease, or soil deficiency, and then provide a comprehensive plan for achieving and maintaining the best health for the high value plants and trees in your landscape.

Is your community on our list? If you live in another community nearby, we most likely service your area as well. Contact us today at 484-630-5924 to find out more about our plant health care services or to schedule a consultation.