Mycorrhizae (of Greek origin meaning “fungus roots”) are a beneficial fungus that is an essential part of all healthy plants, promoting root growth and

providing a natural defense against diseases and pests.    Mycorrhizae are abundant in natural forest soil, but in the urban forest the amount is often depleted. This is especially true for soils that are degraded, compacted, lack organic matter, or suffer from fertilizer and pH imbalances.
   These fungus roots can extend several feet from the plant roots to greatly increase the root systems “intake” capability of water and nutrients. As a result, trees and shrubs improve their tolerance to drought, low soil fertility, extremes in soil temperatures and even act as a natural biological barrier protecting the plant against root diseases and other pests.
   For millions of years, trees and shrubs had to survive drought, extreme temperatures, lack of nutrients and other stresses that threaten a plants life. To defend themselves against these stresses, plants established a favorable, symbiotic relationship with the beneficial fungi found in the soil.
   These microscopic partners obtain sugars from the plant roots, and in return, the fungi help the plant by forming an extensive “mychorrhizal” network which functions like a secondary feeder root system.
   Mycorrhizal spore technology was developed for use in forestry over 25 years ago. Now available commercially, that same technology is being used for the problems of trees in the urban environment.
   Research has proved that mature landscape trees inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi are significantly more able to develop healthy, extensive root networks. Root growth and mycorrhizal development on treated trees have exceeded non-treated trees by more than 500 percent.
   Progressive tree care companies, with experience in both preserving trees before construction and providing remedial measures after construction, use mycorrhizal inoculants to stimulate root growth.
   “If I hadn’t been part of the study, the results would have been hard to believe.” reports Michael Murphy, president of Preservation Tree Care in Beaufort, S.C.
   With a treatment program including mycorrhizal inoculations, many trees survived the construction of a new parking lot for the famous retail company L.L. Bean. One specific tree, a giant white ash, had 50 percent of its root system removed. Jeff Ott of Northeast Shade Tree in Portsmouth, NH, reported that the tree responded so well he was concerned it had produced too much leaf surface the first year. Today, the tree and the others are healthy in the paved environment.
   GreenGuard inoculates your soil with mycorrhizae identified as superstrains for growing trees and shrubs in stressed environments, such as poor soils, lack of fertility, drought, disease, unfavorable pH, toxins and extreme temperatures.
Once the fungi have colonized the newly formed plant roots, additional inoculations are not usually necessary.
   75% or more of the plant’s ability to survive rests below ground in the roots. If your groundskeepers are concentrating most of their efforts on the visible tops of shrubs and trees, they are missing the most vital part of your plants.
The need for mycorrhizal fungi with urban trees is even greater than in natural forests, because there is more stress in urban environments and less available water, nutrients and organic matter.
   GreenGuard is a plant health care company that creates optimal conditions to encourage trees’ and shrubs’ natural growth and resistance to disease. Healthy, productive plants are naturally more resistant to disease and environmental stresses.
Mycorrhizal inoculants are an important prescription for plant health and longevity.

Choose GreenGuard for the Health and Beauty of Your Trees and Shrubs
   Protect your landscape investment with the help of the GreenGuard professionals.
   You will benefit from the latest research and technology for the most beautiful and healthy trees and shrubs. It’s our mission!
   Our Tree and Shrub Care Specialists take pride in serving you with their knowledge, experience and training. GreenGuard maintains Arborist Certification with the International Society of Arboriculture as well as Natural Resource Expert Certification in a joint program of the National Association of Home Builders and the National Arbor Day Foundation. Also, GreenGuard is an active member of the National Arborist Association and the Virginia Urban Forest Council.