Jessica Cunha, ISA Certified Arborist
Territory and Services:
Jessica operates out of SavATree’s Rockville branch in Maryland. She provides comprehensive tree, shrub, lawn, tick and deer services to properties in Potomac, MD. Jessica and the team out of SavATree’s Rockville, MD branch are highly trained to treat conditions unique to the landscape of the Washington DC suburbs of Maryland. In addition to providing high quality services, our team of expert arborists, specialists and crew members have a great customer service forward attitude. At SavATree, you can expect nothing but the best. Some popular services Jessica and the team offer to clients in the Potomac area include tree pruning, tree removal, tree and lawn fertilization, lawn and tree disease management, organic lawn care and other organic tree and shrub treatments, lawn seeding, lawn aeration, weed control, pest control including mosquito and tick treatments and deer repellents including our popular and effective DeerTech program. If you would like an arborist to come out to your property to assess the health of your trees and lawn, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jessica! We look forward to hearing from you.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (301) 545-1712
Qualifications:
“I’ve been in the tree industry for over 13 years. Nine of these years were spent as part of the SavATree Rockville Office providing outstanding customer service to our clients.”
Industry Involvement/Awards/Certifications:
- ISA Certified Arborist
- Licensed Tree Expert in Maryland
Personal:
“Born and raised in Montgomery County, MD, I’m a full-time mom of two kids, who are my world! I enjoy being outside with the nature, hanging out with my friends, and binge-watching shows when I have spare time.”
Why She Became an Arborist:
“I’ve been into nature and trees ever since I was a little kid, walking through the woods, looking at different trees and picking the right one to climb and explore! My love for trees continues to grow; trees are people, and they need love too!”
Customer Service Philosophy:
“I’ve been in customer service for 15-plus years. I live for building strong customer relationships! I know how important it is to listen carefully so that I can understand client’s concerns and suggest the best solutions. I also aim to be proactive in all aspects so I can identify problems before they become big issues.”
Observations in the Field:
June 7, 2024
No words needed- just, healthy, memorizing blue Hydrangeas in my clients landscape.
June 7, 2024
A new neighbor in Maryland
Maryland residents are getting an expected new neighbor: the Joro Spider. Originally from East Asia, these large, colorful arachnids are making their way into the state, but their arrival might not be as alarming as it first seems. In fact, the Joro spider could bring some surprising benefits to the local ecosystem, particularly by helping control invasive insect populations, such as the spotted lanternfly!
May 14, 2024
My client contacted SavATree to address the issue of her declining Locust trees, which she cherished. Despite their deterioration, the cause was not immediately apparent. I always tell my clients- “If you can’t identify the problem above ground, it’s below ground.” We conducted a root collar excavation to expose the roots and identify the problem. It was discovered that girdling roots were restricting the trees access to water and nutrients. We performed root pruning and applied a bio stimulant to aid recovery. As a result, the trees are now thriving!
May 2, 2024
The 2024 Montgomery County GreenFest in Germantown, Maryland was held at the Black Rock Center for the Arts on Saturday, April 27, 2024. It was the largest countywide environmental festival ever held in the county. GreenFest offered various educational and outreach opportunities as well as family-oriented activities and entertainment in addition to information on energy efficiency and renewable energies, recycling, and sustainable transportation featuring an electric vehicle show. SavATree Arborists Jessica Cunha and Myrick Johnson represented the Rockville branch admirably on this cold and rainy event day!
April 23, 2024
Mulch is often hailed as a beneficial addition to gardens and landscapes providing numerous advantages such as moisture retention, weed suppression, and soil insulation. However, when it comes to mulching around the base of trees, there is a very fine line between beneficial and detrimental. Here’s why too much mulch around the base of trees can be bad for tree health. Excessive mulch piled against the trunk of a tree can lead to moisture retention creating a damp environment that promotes rot and fungal diseases. This excess moisture can cause the bark to soften, making the tree more susceptible to pests and pathogens. Moreover, a thick layer of mulch around the base of a tree can cause compaction and restrict oxygen and water flow to the roots. Tree roots need access to oxygen for respiration and suffocating them under layers of mulch can lead to root rot and eventually, decline in tree health. By understanding the potential pitfalls of excess mulching and adopting proper mulching practices, we can promote the healthy and vitality of our trees for years to come. To avoid these issues, it’s essential to apply mulch properly around the base of trees. If you have these issues in your landscape, reach out to SavATree. We can help! Jessica Cunha, SavATree Rockville Arborist
April 22, 2024
Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22nd to help raise awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainability. It serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect and preserve the planet for current and future generations, emphasizing the importance of taking action to address issues like climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction. Earth Day encourages individuals, communities, and governments to work together to create a healthier and more sustainable world! Jessica Cunha, Arborist, Rockville SavATree
April 18, 2024
“Save Our Oaks!” Oaks are not only experiencing a decline due to borers, root rot and Oak Wilt, but they also face other diseases, such as Hypoxylon canker. Hypoxylon canker is a fungal disease which poses a significant threat to our oak trees. This infection can weaken the trees vascular system, leading to branch dieback and ultimately tree death. Infected oaks often display sparse foliage and exhibit signs of stress, such as premature leaf drop. While some management strategies, like proper tree maintenance and sanitation practices, can help mitigate the spread of the disease, severe infections may necessitate removal. Vigilance and early detection remain crucial in combating the spread of this disease among oak populations.
April 17, 2024
Leaf miners are tiny insect larvae that feed on the tissue between the upper and lower surfaces of leaves, creating distinctive tunnels or trails. These pests can cause aesthetic damage as the affected leaves often appear discolored or distorted. While not typically fatal to the plant, severe infestations can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to other stressors. Regular monitoring and prompt action are key to managing leaf miner populations and preserving the vitality of shrubs.
April 15, 2024
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid is a devastating pest that infests Hemlock trees. This invasive insect feeds on the sap of Hemlock trees causing significant damage and often leading to tree mortality if left untreated. HWA is recognizable by the white, woolly masses it produces at the base of hemlock needles, where it lays its eggs. Hemlocks are very important to the environment as they provide great habitats for all types of animals and wildlife. If you have a Hemlock on your property, call SavATree for a consultation!
April 4, 2024
Neglecting to regularly monitor and replace the supplemental support systems used for staking trees can have dire consequences, ultimately leading to the decline or death of the tree. Without proper maintenance, these support systems can gradually constrict around the tree trunk, impeding its natural growth and circulation of nutrients. Over time, this constriction can weaken the trees’ structure, leaving it vulnerable to disease, pest, and environmental stressors. Regular inspection and timely replacement of staking materials are essential to ensure the healthy development of longevity of trees in urban and landscaped environments.
March 28, 2024
Do your trees look like this? Have you observed the presence of dark, unsightly residue on your trees and shrubs? This substance, known as black sooty mold, is attributed to an insect infestation. Crape myrtle bark scale, an invasive pest indigenous to Asia, has emerged as a notable challenge for arborists and homeowners across Maryland. This diminutive insect infests the bark of Crape Myrtle trees, resulting in the development of unsightly black mold, compromised growth and potential mortality if left unaddressed. Management strategies include early detection and treatment methods to mitigate the spread of this destructive pest. Call SavATree today for a complimentary consultation!
March 25, 2024
Cherry trees, with their delicate blossoms and graceful allure, symbolize the fleeting yet profound beauty of nature. Each Spring, their enchanting display captivates hearts and minds, transforming landscapes into ethereal wonderlands. Yet, despite their captivating beauty, Cherry trees are not immune to the perils of disease. Various pathogens, pest infestation and environmental stressors pose significant threats to their health and vitality.
This is where SavATree steps in, offering expertise in arboriculture and tree care. With our holistic approach to tree maintenance, disease and pest management, SavATree ensures that Cherry trees receive the attention they deserve to thrive!