Arbor Tech || Mark Hodges

Are you worried about your trees and plants? Do you have questions, concerns, or wonders, about your landscape? There are manny ways to find your answers to these questions, but not all of them are fact and reliable. In fact, most of them are not. Finding the right person, and right business to help you, may be a problem. I've found one, that according to customers, is completely honest and reliable.


Most people have concerns about their trees and plants, and usually have manny questions about them.
Arborist have the answers to most of these questions, but you need to be sure you find the right one.

Copyright 2000 © Arbor Tech

Master Gardener Mark Hodges started a company 10 years ago that has flourished through these times, saving manny yards and trees. He's trusted by the St. George City Court Houses, by the LDS Church, Stone Cliff, and many other large corporations that hire him out to work on their trees.
Arbor Tech™(Privatly owend and operated by Mark Hodges) is a company that specializes in Pruning, Fertilizing, Planting, Tree removal,  Consulting, Irrigation,  Preventative Maintenance, Landscape, and bug spraying. 


Mark has many suggestions and tips that can help with your trees and help you make a decision next time you want to hire someone out, and trust them with your yard.


Mark identifies the top four problems of what could be killing your trees;


1) Over watering.
Mark says that 60 to 70% of the problems he addresses are from over watering.
"Over watering," he says "Is one of the biggest mistakes I see in people watering
their trees. To notice and recognize over watering ... your leaves turn yellow, thats
the biggest thing that says your overwatering."


He states that because we live in a desert, "The plants are acclimated to the desert climate and are used to building roots deeper to find water."


Mark says that a "deep soak" once or twice a week in most cases, vs a 10min watering daily, is more effective and healthy.


He also says that below 60°, you dont need to water your plants. "Plants do not move water unless the get over 60°" "Constant temperatures in the mid 60's through the mid 70's justify watering once a week"
"Temeratures through the 80's and 90's and above need deeper watering, twice a week."




Problem 2) Root Funguses

Root Rot

Root rot can have two sources, one is a prolonged exposure to overwatered conditions can cause some of the roots to die back due to a lack of oxygen. As they die, they can start to decay or rot away. The rot can then spread to healthier roots and kill them as well, even if the soil conditions are corrected..
The other source can be from a fungus in the soil. The fungus may lay dormant in soil indefinitely and then may suddenly flourish when the plant is overwatered once or twice. The root rot fungus attacks the roots and causes them to die and rot away. 

-Info Received from; http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/treating-root-rot-gardening-tips-for-housplants.htm


Mark says indicators of root fungus, or root rot, are yellowing in leaves, or dropping leaves in the summer-time. "These result from the tree not being able to draw the nourishment it needs because the rotting root system can’t."




Problem 3) Bores

Bores are no bigger than a dime

"There are about 15 differant types of bores in St. George, but they all to the same thing, they eat your trees." Mark explains "Bores are kinda like termites, they burrow down into the wood and start to eat it. They lay their eggs in the trees and nest there. Once they are there and see the tree is good, they send out pheromones that attract more of their kind."

Bores make holes like these

Recognizing if you have bores isn't quite that simple. But there are signs. Some are dying spires and branches. They also occur mostly in Ferns, Spruces, Junipers, Firs, and Cedars. Mark says if you think you have bores, call us, and we'll find out. He also says that the best treatment for spores include foliar sprays and systemic treatments. Cutting out the infected areas also help somewhat. Mark treats bores and suggests to call him to treat them. (Marks office number is provided below.)




The last problem 4) Abuse and use of Wrong Chemicals

Mark says that the number one most abused chemical is 2 4-D, a chemical that kills basicly every living plant. "Both usuly occur in owner and inexperienced landscaper mistakes." He continues to say, "Our trees and plants are broad leaf also, {just like the weeds we are trying to kill}" He also says that this is one of the chemicals that causes the most court cases, (Mark has 8-10 cases a year, in court where he helps defend or accuse those who kill their neighbors yards with chemical abuse.) and should be avoided unless consulting with a professional chemical consultant or arborist. "Soil sterilant is a very powerful weed killer but should never be used in a urban environment, due to these cases.






If you have any tree problems, give Mark and his team a call. They would be happy to help you with all your tree and yard issues. Mark has been working for over 15 years with trees and is very knowledgeable. He is currently serving on the Shade Tree Board and has served one term as president. He worked in the Forestry Devision of St. George City, and now owns his own amazing business, Arbor Tech. Mark recommends Star Nursery, (The Old Cotton Mill in Washington) or Plant World.
Mark occasionally works with Southern UT Tree Co. and recommends them for the things he can't do.
Some of his employees are Troy, Dustan, and 'Chee-Cho'. His wife and oldest son help with the financial parts, answering phone calls, and scheduling appointments. Mark and his team guaranty their work, and value their customers. 


I'm Mr. Biz Review, I recommend Arbor Tech, and I approve this message.



Bizfo:


Name of Company:                             Arbor Tech
Owner:                                             Mark Hodges
Years in Business:                 10 --As of July 2010
Average Number of Employies:                       1-4
Average Income:                     Less than $500,000
Phone Number:
Office:                                           (435)-656-1099
Marks Cell:                                    (435)-632-0972
E-mails:
Office:                              arbortecmh@yahho.com
Office Hours: 
                          Mon-Fri 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
                          Sat 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
                          Sun Closed
Degrees and Experience:
-ISA Certified (ISA stands for International Society of Arboriculture)
-Horticulture
-Business management
-Master Gardener
-City of St. George, UT Shade Tree Board, (1 Terms as President)
-17 Years of experience in tree care












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