The Plant Doctor, aka “The Tree Doctor”

“Discoverer of the Emerald Ash Borer in North America”

Greetings Tree and Landscape Aficionados. Welcome to my website. I’ll introduce myself with some brief biographical information. I grew up on a small farm in Ohio and attended The Ohio State University, where I received my Bachelor of Sciences and Master of Science, in 1975 and 1977, respectively.

Incidentally, my mother (Ruth Elizabeth Warren) graduated from The Ohio State University in 1938; she married my father, Emery Guy Roberts, a farmer, and I (along with my two brothers: James and Phil) was the product of their union. I suppose you could say, I followed in the footsteps of my mother who believed that education was vitally important to our success not only as individuals but as a country. I was fortunate from the standpoint that I had a wonderful childhood and subsequent education prescribed by two wonderful parents who instilled in me honesty, integrity, and hard work.

After attaining my B.S and M.S. degrees, I attended Michigan State University (MSU) where I received my Ph.D. I accepted a position in 1984 as Director of MSU’s Plant & Pest Diagnostic Clinic. This position provided me with a uniquely broad range of experiences and expertise across many disciplines. After almost 15 years as Clinic Director and teaching undergraduates and graduate students in a variety of university courses, I assumed a more focused position in scientific research and extension, where I remained until my retirement from MSU in 2018.

Over all those years, I discovered many new diseases and pests, and published numerous articles. This website presents some of those publications that you may find useful for your needs. I have organized my publications into several primary categories as highlighted below. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I offer expert advice and can make house calls/site visits to resolve your tree and landscape needs.

Thank you!

– Dr. David L. Roberts

Dave’s Father – Emery Guy Roberts