Compost tea can either be applied as a foliar spray or as a soil drench. As a foliar spray, compost teas apply beneficial organisms to plant surfaces so disease-causing organisms cannot find infection sites or food resources. These beneficial organisms provide nutrients as well. As a soil drench, compost tea develops a biological barrier around roots to prevent root disease-causing organisms from being able to find the roots. The tea also provides nutrients for the roots to improve plant growth and improves nutrient and moisture retention. Boston Tree Preservation uses compost teas on all shade trees and ornamentals to control insect pests and disease and to provide nutrition. Compost teas are used to control wilts, blights, and most major tree diseases.