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Experience Matters!

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With over 25 years experience in the Lawn & Ornamental Pest Control Industry, the health of your property is in very good hands!


Scott Stephenson is the Owner/Operator of VitaliTree and will be your hands on technician! We send no one else!

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Look familiar?


Lethal Bronzing Disease is a 100% fatal palm disease that has spread throughout the entire state of Florida.

Up to 21 different palm species are being killed by this devastating disease.

Our LBD preventative injection program is simply a must for any palms you value.

Lethal Bronzing Disease

What is it and how does it spread?

Lethal Bronzing Disease is an infection that causes palms to decline quickly. Once a palm is infected, it is an untreatable and 100% fatal disease, there is no cure. The bacteria that causes Lethal Bronzing Disease live in the palm's phloem, the vascular tissue that transports nutrient rich sap. A piercing-sucking insect (American Palm Cixiid) feed on sap and then carry the infection. The insect acts as a Vector, spreading the pathogen from palm to palm.

Host range and distribution

Currently, the Lethal Bronzing Disease phytoplasma has been found in 21 different species of palms to date. This devastating disease was originally most prevalent in central and south FL but is spreading and killing palms throughout the entire state of Florida. Lethal Bronzing Disease is really starting to take hold in NE Florida as well.

What are the symptoms?

First symptoms are early fruit drop or flower blackening. Leaf discoloration (bronzing) is the next recognizable symptom. Beginning with the oldest limbs first and rapidly progressing up the canopy. Decline will continue upward until the top-most spear, followed by spear collapse. This final stage signals the death of the palm's apical meristem, or "heart".

What should I do?

If your palms (or neighboring palms) show symptoms of decline, contact VitaliTree ASAP. A test can be done to detect Lethal Bronzing Disease. If the palm tests positive, the palm should be removed immediately. If the palm tests negative, our LBD preventative program should be started immediately for all palms you value.

Just a handful of the many culprits we face.

Giant Palm Weevil

American Palm Cixiid

American Palm Cixiid

Canary Island Date Palm and Bismarck Palm are 2 of the favorite host species of this large destructive weevil. Once infested, damage is fast and fatal. 

American Palm Cixiid

American Palm Cixiid

American Palm Cixiid

'Haplaxius crudus' The main culprit spreading the Phytoplasma that causes Lethal Bronzing Disease. Once infected, there is no cure. However, our injection program can help prevent the spread of Lethal Bronzing to your high value palms. 

Chinch Bugs

American Palm Cixiid

Chinch Bugs

This insect is the most damaging insect pest of turfgrass in the state. Stressed areas of turf release pheromones like ringing a dinner bell! They are a major pest of St. Augustinegrass and attack zoysiagrass, too.

Aphids

Tropical Sod Webworm

Chinch Bugs

Aphids love to feed on tender new growth, making spring and summer application timing very important. For both curative and preventative measures, our protocols have proven to be highly successful combating these piercing-sucking insects.

Mealybug

Tropical Sod Webworm

Tropical Sod Webworm

Mealybugs, like Aphids, also have piercing-sucking mouthparts. A byproduct of mealybug feeding is sticky honeydew which coats infested foliage and provides an excellent medium for growth of the black sooty mold fungi.  

Tropical Sod Webworm

Tropical Sod Webworm

Tropical Sod Webworm

While they prefer St. Augustinegrass, these very hungry caterpillars also munch on centipedegrass, bahiagrass, bermudagrass, and zoysiagrass. They are most active from spring to fall. 

Residential - Commercial - HOA Common Areas - Hotels & Resorts - Golf Courses ...and many more!

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About VitaliTree

Our Mission

At VitaliTree, our mission is to maximize the health & beauty of your turf, shrubs and trees while maintaining a commitment to safety and environmental responsibility.

Owner/Operator

 Experience Matters!

Scott Stephenson has over 25 years experience in the Lawn & Ornamental Pest Control Industry and has been a Licensed Certified Operator for 12 years. Adding specialized palm & tree health to his services and utilizing the ArborJet system since 2010.

Our Services

Our Services

Premium Pest Management

Turf - Shrubs - Trees

Inspections, diagnosis, treatment and control using the most effective methods possible for optimal results.


Detailed programs to ensure our clients property reaches and maintains its full potential. 

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