Plant Health Care

A Plant Health Care (PHC) program is a comprehensive, proactive, and holistic approach to maintaining the long-term health, vitality, and longevity of trees, shrubs, and other plants in a landscape.

It shifts the focus from simply reacting to and treating problems (like pests or diseases) after they occur to preventing them by creating an optimal growing environment.

Landscape Pest Control & Plant Health

At home grown gardens, we believe that a beautiful, thriving landscape starts with healthy plants and responsible pest management. Our approach goes beyond simple treatments; we focus on comprehensive care that is both effective and mindful of the environment you and your family—including your pets—enjoy.

Prevention First: A Proactive, Earth-Friendly Approach

Our core philosophy is centered on prevention and plant health. By focusing on building strong, resilient plants, we naturally reduce their susceptibility to pests and diseases. We offer both preventative and curative treatment options, always striving to use methods and products that are earth friendly and pet friendly.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): This scientifically proven technique is the backbone of our service. IPM involves careful monitoring and feedback loops to manage pest populations while minimizing environmental impact. It allows us to constantly improve the results our clients experience.
Safety and Sustainability: Organic certification is always our goal and go-to when prescribing a solution. We prioritize the safest and most sustainable products available.

Expertise Meets Experience

You benefit from the perfect blend of cutting-edge science and long-standing practical knowledge. We utilize the latest university research coupled with over 50 years of experience to develop and refine the best management practices for controlling pests in the landscape.

While we prioritize organic methods, our deep knowledge base means we also have the experience to utilize the safest and most efficient treatment possible when dictated by our IPM decisions and your specific needs. We will always work with our clients to determine the best approach for long-term plant health in your landscape.

Specialized Fruit Tree Care

Protect your harvest with our dedicated fruit tree spraying programs. Whether you need a one-off targeted application or a comprehensive program designed to keep your fruit trees as pest-free as possible throughout the growing season, we have the expertise to ensure your trees remain healthy and productive.

Ready to protect your landscape with a smarter, safer approach to pest control?

Soil Improvement Programs

Soil Health & Plant Nutrition Programs

The foundation of a beautiful and resilient landscape lies beneath your feet. We firmly believe that healthy soil leads to healthy plants, which is why our services focus on diagnosing and addressing the fundamental needs of your specific site. Our expert programs are designed to transform depleted or imbalanced soil into a nurturing environment where your plants can thrive.

Site Analysis and Diagnostics

We begin every successful program with a thorough, in-depth evaluation of your landscape's unique conditions.

Comprehensive Site Analysis: This goes beyond simple observation. Our team assesses crucial factors that impact plant health, including drainage patterns, sunlight exposure, grade and compaction issues, water availability, and the specific needs of your plant species.
Plant Health Analysis: We conduct a visual inspection and close examination of your trees, shrubs, and turf to identify symptoms of stress, nutritional deficiencies, and early signs of disease or pest infestation. This allows us to determine if the problem originates above or below the soil line.
Soil Analysis through a Proven Soil Testing Lab: We take samples and send them to a professional, accredited laboratory. This test provides a detailed report on the soil's chemistry, including $\text{pH}$ level, organic matter content, essential macronutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium), micronutrients, and cation exchange capacity.

Prescriptions for Improvement

Based on the laboratory results and our on-site analysis, our Certified Plant Health Care Specialists write up prescriptions for improvements. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it is a custom-tailored management plan designed specifically for your landscape's needs.

Soil Improvement Programs (Our Services)

We translate the prescription into targeted, effective soil improvement treatments:

Deep Root Soil Injections: This method delivers vital nutrients and amendments directly into the root zone where they are needed most. The injection process also helps to break up minor compaction, allowing for better air and water penetration.
Compost Tea or Earthworm Tea Injections: These living, bio-active solutions are rich in beneficial microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes) that restore the soil food web. This accelerates the decomposition of organic matter, improves nutrient cycling, and increases the soil's disease-suppressing capabilities.
Targeted Soil Injections based on Analysis: Depending on your soil analysis results, we deliver precise applications of beneficial amendments:
- Organic Liquid Fertilizer: Slow-release, naturally sourced nutrients to feed the plant gradually.
- Mycorrhizae: Beneficial fungi that form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, dramatically increasing the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients.
- Calcium or other Micronutrients: Specific mineral applications to correct deficiencies and ensure optimal nutrient uptake and cell wall development.

Is your landscape showing signs of stress? Let us give your plants the healthy start they deserve with a professional site and soil analysis.

Tree Injection-Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Protection Program

The arrival of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Oregon poses an existential threat to our state's beautiful Ash trees. This devastating invasive beetle has already caused the loss of tens of millions of Ash trees across the eastern United States. If you have an Ash tree you cherish, taking proactive steps is crucial for its survival.

Preserving Your Ash Trees

We provide a highly effective three-year treatment program specifically designed to protect your valuable Ash trees and prevent the devastating loss caused by EAB infestation.

Proven EAB Control: Our treatment utilizes the most proven insecticide for effective control against the Emerald Ash Borer. This treatment is highly targeted and applied directly to the tree's vascular system via injection.
Optimal Timing and Longevity: The best time for tree injection is typically May through June, but effective treatments can be extended into the early fall. Once applied, the protection is good for three full years, giving your tree sustained defense against this relentless pest.

Expert Care You Can Trust

When it comes to the complex and critical task of tree injection, expertise matters. Our service is backed by the highest level of professional knowledge:

Trained and Certified Staff: Our field staff is fully trained in the correct diagnosis, timing, and application techniques required for EAB treatment.
Master Arborist Oversight: Our programs operate under the direct oversight of a Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). This ensures that every tree we treat receives the highest standard of care based on the latest scientific research and professional best practices.

Don't wait until it's too late. If you have an Ash tree on your property, contact us today for an assessment and to enroll in our three-year protection program.