Diagnosing plant problems can be a very broad topic, but for the sake of this article, we will outline the process in five basic, general areas that a practicing arborist may find helpful:Our perspective as an educated, experienced professionalAn appreciation for factors outside of our control that impact plant health, such as weatherOur ability to leverage and properly apply diagnostic resourcesOur ability to better "understand the landscape"Good record-keepingStep One: Develop perspectiveThe most important thing you can take with you into the field when it comes to diagnosing ornamental plant problems is perspective. This is your ability as a professional to examine the problem close up, looking at signs and symptoms associated with insects or disease, but also having the ability to step back and consider the broader factors that may impact plant health, such as planting location and overall site condition.
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