Every practical effort is made to protect and maintain TOT trees. We comply with all relevant government environmental policies, including the LA County ordinance to protect native California Oaks. Only trees deemed by a professional arborist to be beyond saving are allowed to be removed.
Pests
Pests are typically a secondary condition affecting trees that have been excessive pruning, sunburn, mechanical damage, and most commonly: drought. Pine trees like those in TOT typically have sufficient sap flow to defend against pest infestation (even when compromised)?.
If trees or shrubs are infested, they are best remedied by pruning and careful disposal of infested limbs. If the main trunk is extensively infested, the entire tree must be removed. The application of chemical treatments to trees with major infestation is often costly, futile, and poisonous to wildlife.
Reference: The International Society of Arboriculture Arborist Study Guide: Plant Health Care and Intergraph Pest Management