Available resources on trees are overwhelming, especially when it comes to diagnosis of disease and insect problems. A Google search of honey locust diseases brings up 76,000 hits – information ranges from academic research institutions to home gardener websites. If you use the internet, how do you find only research-based information?
How can I find the correct diagnosis for my tree?
An excellent tool using the Google search engine is “advanced search”. By clicking “advanced search” you can limit the domain you want information from. By typing in “edu” in the domain search bar, this limits topic information to only academic resources, or those found on educational websites. Or just type “site:edu” after your keyword search.
Are arborists good resources for tree diagnoses?
Other resources include contacting a Certified Arborist, an experienced professional who passed an extensive examination concerning all aspects of tree care through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Certified Arborists must also continue their education to maintain their certification. Therefore, they are more likely to be up-to-date on the latest techniques in arboriculture.
Other organizations include the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) and the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA). Colorado State University Extension and Master gardeners are also sources of information.
