The threat to your tree from pest and disease can be significantly reduced by following certain basic principles:

• plant the right tree for the right space,
• plant the right tree for the soil and moisture conditions (see Tree Catalogue) and
• practice responsible maintenance,
• proper pruning techniques
• proper water and soil management practices.

Stress, poor maintenance and compromised growing conditions commonly make trees vulnerable to disease and insects. Trees under stress are subject to growth and metabolic problems. Such stresses can be either:

• chronic (persistent or recurrent) or
• acute (sudden and intense).

Examples of chronic stress are mineral or nutrient imbalance and extended droughts. Acute sources of stress include floods, lightning, sudden freezes and mechanical damage. Generalized stress is also found among trees that are planted in the wrong soil, without enough space or water.