Healthy Trees Are Valuable Assets
Mature trees add significant value to properties, estates and communities. A large, healthy oak or pine can represent tens of thousands of rands in landscape value — and years of ecological, aesthetic and shade benefits that cannot easily be replaced. Yet trees in urban and suburban environments face constant pressures that their natural forest counterparts never encounter: compacted soils, limited root space, construction damage, air pollution, drought stress, pest pressure and disease.
RVZ's tree health care services address these pressures head-on, using evidence-based arboricultural techniques to restore, maintain and protect your trees' long-term health and structural integrity.
- Diagnosis-led treatment — we identify the cause before prescribing the solution
- Scientifically formulated fertiliser and bio-stimulant programmes
- Deep root feeding bypasses compacted surface soils
- Fungal and pest disease treatment and prevention
- Soil restoration and root zone improvement
- Ongoing monitoring and programme management
Tree Health Care Services
Deep Root Feeding
Liquid fertiliser and bio-stimulants injected directly into the root zone under pressure. Ideal for trees in compacted or urban soils where surface feeding is ineffective.
Tree Fertilisation
Bespoke nutrient programmes formulated to your trees' specific deficiencies, soil conditions and growth objectives. Covers macro and micronutrients, mycorrhizal inoculants and soil biology.
Root Zone Treatment
Targeted treatments to the critical root zone — including aeration, organic matter incorporation, compost teas and biostimulant drenches to restore healthy root function.
Fungal Disease Treatment
Diagnosis and treatment of fungal conditions including powdery mildew, sooty mould, rust, Phytophthora root rot and Fusarium wilt. Systemic and contact fungicide applications where required.
Aphid & Pest Treatment
Management of aphid infestations, scale insects, mites and other tree pests using appropriate IPM (Integrated Pest Management) protocols, minimising environmental impact.
Soil Improvement
Soil testing, pH correction, decompaction techniques, organic matter applications and drainage improvement to create optimal growing conditions for your trees.
Mulching Services
Correct mulch application around tree root zones to conserve moisture, moderate temperature, suppress weeds and build organic matter over time. A simple but highly effective tree care practice.
Tree Recovery Programmes
Tailored multi-step recovery plans for severely stressed or declining trees, combining soil, foliar and systemic treatments with appropriate canopy management.
Tree Health Assessment
Comprehensive tree-by-tree health assessment identifying current condition, stress factors, disease presence and recommended interventions. Ideal as a starting point for estate management.
Tree Diseases & Pests We Manage
| Condition | Affected Trees | Symptoms | Our Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powdery Mildew | Oaks, roses, planes, many broadleaves | White powdery coating on leaves; leaf distortion; reduced growth | Fungicide programme + canopy airflow improvement |
| Aphid Infestation | Oaks, roses, willows, citrus, maples | Leaf curl; sticky honeydew deposits; sooty mould; wilting new growth | IPM programme; systemic insecticide where necessary |
| Phytophthora Root Rot | Avocado, oak, pine, many species | Yellowing leaves; branch dieback; collar rot; root decay | Soil drench; drainage improvement; phosphonate treatment |
| Sooty Mould | Any tree with aphid/scale infestation | Black coating on leaves reducing photosynthesis | Treat underlying pest; foliar wash; soil health improvement |
| PSHB / Fusarium Wilt | Oak, box elder, plane, willow, many more | Bore holes; gallery staining; crown dieback; tree death | Full PSHB management protocol — see PSHB page |
| Nutrient Deficiency | All species, particularly in urban soils | Chlorosis (yellowing); poor growth; small leaves; early leaf drop | Soil analysis; targeted deep root fertilisation |
Tree Health Care For Every Property Type
Wine Estates
Protect the ornamental and heritage trees that define the character of your estate. PSHB management, fertilisation and disease control.
Private Residences
Maintain the value and safety of garden trees with professional health assessments and tailored care programmes.
Residential Estates
Estate-wide tree health audits, ongoing maintenance contracts and responsive disease management.
Commercial Properties
Tree care programmes for office parks, shopping centres and commercial developments — maintaining aesthetics and reducing liability.
Tree Health FAQs
Deep root feeding (also called deep root fertilisation) delivers liquid nutrients and bio-stimulants directly into the root zone under pressure, bypassing compacted surface soils. It is highly effective for urban and estate trees that cannot access nutrients naturally, and significantly improves tree health, growth and resilience against disease and pests.
In many cases, yes — with the right diagnosis and treatment programme. RVZ assesses the cause of decline (soil compaction, nutrient deficiency, disease, root damage, pests, PSHB, etc.) and develops a targeted recovery programme. The sooner a declining tree is assessed, the better the prognosis. Early intervention is always more effective than waiting.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease causing white powdery coating on leaves, often worsening in warm, dry conditions. RVZ treats powdery mildew with targeted fungicide applications, improved canopy airflow through selective pruning, and soil health programmes to improve overall tree immunity.
Aphids are sap-sucking insects that colonise new growth, causing leaf curl, yellowing and sticky honeydew deposits. Heavy infestations can severely stress trees. RVZ treats aphid infestations with appropriate insecticide programmes, natural predator support and systemic treatments where necessary.
Soil health is fundamental to tree health. Compacted, anaerobic or nutrient-depleted soils prevent root function, reduce water uptake and make trees vulnerable to disease. RVZ's soil improvement services include aeration, organic matter applications, mycorrhizal inoculants, pH correction and mulching — restoring the root zone environment for optimal tree health.
This depends on species, soil conditions, tree age and health objectives. Most mature ornamental trees benefit from annual or bi-annual deep root fertilisation programmes. Young trees may need more frequent feeding to establish. RVZ designs bespoke fertilisation programmes based on soil analysis and tree condition assessments.