ArborTIMES™ is a digital publication for the tree care industry that delivers tree care business, safety, and equipment news.
Issue 16 | Summer 2026 arbortimes.org
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Tree Care Business, Safety, and Equipment News
GRAPPLE SAW MATERIAL HANDLING WHAT THE CHARTS CAN’T TELL YOU ABOUT KNUCKLE-BOOM CRANES
MICRO VS. MACRO MAKING THE RIGHT CALL WITH TREE INJECTIONS
GROWING SECOND CHANCES BUILDING AN ARBORICULTURE WORKFORCE FROM BEHIND BARS
HIDDEN HAZARDS IN THE CANOPY EIGHT-LEGGED THREATS
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EDITOR'S NOTE
There comes a time when every arborist must learn how to trust their gut. Balancing Knowledge and Experience It’s a skill that comes majorly from experience and from working with other professionals that have mastered the craft themselves. Of course, textbooks, courses, and licenses can help develop the backbone of your industry “sixth sense,” but no manual can teach you how to hone your intuition.
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On the cover: A grapple saw pairs a high‑powered chainsaw with a secure gripping arm, allowing limbs to be cut and lowered safely in seconds while minimizing risk to
people and property below. Source: Tchukki Andersen
Amy Kent, Editor
ISSUE 16, SUMMER 2026
There’s a trope in a lot of law enforcement drama shows that demonstrates the dichotomy of written knowledge versus innate knowledge. One detective is usually the by-the-books fellow that follows the law with strict adherence, leaving very little room for gray area. The other is just the opposite, relying on their perception of the situation to guide their methodology and decisions. As you can guess, the two can’t solve the mystery without their partner. Without solid textbook knowledge, the intuitive detective can get into some trouble with some risky methods. But without that gut-sense, the by-the-books detective may miss some huge indicators hiding between the lines of the written law.
PUBLISHER Sachin Mohan: mohan@arbortimes.org EDITOR Amy Kent: editor@arbortimes.org ASSOCIATE EDITOR Mara Watts: mara@arbortimes.org ART/TECH DIRECTOR Richard May: info@arbortimes.org STAFF ARBORIST Tchukki Andersen, Times Arborist: tandersen@arbortimes.org SAFETY AND TRAINING ADVISORS Jared Abrojena Bob Lehman Korey Conry Aaron Dickinson Robert Phillips SENIOR ADVISORS Dane Buell Mark Garvin PRODUCED BY EDGE AHEAD ASSOCIATES For editorial and advertising inquiries: 1 Store Hill Rd, PO BOX # 334 Old Westbury, NY 11568 Tel. (516) 399-2627 Email: mohan@arbortimes.org Web: arbortimes.org No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur. All uncredited photography is either supplied or sourced from a stock image bank or is public domain.
The same is true on the job.
Take, for example, when the removal of a historic tree is in question. One arborist may identify the species, evaluate the defect, estimate the extent of decay, assess targets, un- derstand compartmentalization, reference ANSI standards, and apply risk-assessment methodologies. Another arborist might stand beneath the tree and notice subtle indicators: how the can- opy has responded over the last several years, whether the tree appears to be adapting to the defect, how the wood “sounds” when probed, how the site drains after rain, or wheth- er the client’s tolerance for risk aligns with preservation. Both strategies are pivotal to survival or removal of the tree, and there’s often a chance that one comes easier to an arborist than the other. The trick is creating balance between them both. Over time, the written knowledge becomes experience, and experience begins to sharpen intuition. Eventually, what once felt like a guess becomes informed judgment. The best arborists are the professionals who can blend the two perspectives — grounding their decisions in sound arboricultural principles while remaining observant enough to recognize the details that no textbook can fully explain. As you read this issue, consider where your own strengths lie. Are you building your tech- nical foundation? Are you seeking opportunities to learn from experienced professionals? Are you putting yourself in situations that challenge your assumptions and expand your perspective? In arboriculture, as in many professions, expertise is not simply knowing the right answer. It’s developing the judgment to recognize when the answer isn’t obvious.
TO SUBSCRIBE email: info@arbortimes.org or subscribe online: arbortimes.org/subscribe
Stay grounded,
Amy Kent
ArborTIMES ™ Summer 2026 | 3
Table of Contents
ISSUE 16, SUMMER 2026
ArborTIMES™ is a fully digital publication for the tree care industry. It is produced by Edge Ahead Associates, creator of ArborEXPO™, the industry’s first indoor/outdoor tradeshow and conference for arborists and green industry professionals. We’re connecting with experts, business owners, master trainers, and more to identify top stories and educational opportunities to deliver right to your inbox on a quarterly basis.
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GROWING SECOND CHANCES By Dane Buell
What starts as a prison garden grows into something much more signifi- cant: a pathway into arboriculture and green industry careers. For individuals preparing to reenter their communities, this program is the key to finding purpose, motivation, and stability through tree care. MICRO- VS. MACRO-INJECTIONS By Matt Smithmier Arborists are increasingly implement- ing these more precise, environmen- tally contained alternative treatments for insect control, disease prevention, and nutrient administration in the form of micro- and macro-injections. But when is each one most appro- priate — and what should arborists consider before choosing?
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EDITOR’S NOTE 3 The best arborists are rarely the ones who rely exclusively on what they learned in a classroom, nor do they disregard science in favor of instinct alone. They are the professionals who can blend the two seamlessly, creating strong, innate judgement.
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EIGHT-LEGGED THREATS By Mara Watts Tickborne illnesses and spider bites can be debilitating and potentially lead to life-threatening conditions. Unfortunately,
arborists work in the conditions where the culprits best thrive.
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A LOSS THE SIZE OF TEXAS By Joseph B. Pipitone In May 2026, the tree care industry lost a legendary arborist, David Mauk. He believed that both individ- uals and businesses rise or fall to the level of leader- ship available to them, and he worked every day with intention and purpose to serve others better. THE HOURS YOU DON'T BILL By Joy Gomez Across the tree care industry, owners obsess over production rates, equipment utilization, and jobsite efficiency. Explore ways to improve crew efficiency on the road and behind the wheel. GRAPPLE SAW MATERIAL HANDLING By Tchukki Andersen, BCMA, CTSP Operating a knuckle-boom crane in tree care is far more of a cognitive skill than a mechanical one. Even though the machine is capable, the wood itself may pose additional obstacles, like moisture and hydraulic pressure.
NEW COLUMN!
THE ARBORISTS WHO BUILT US By W. Jim Cortese The technical side of
arboriculture has changed tremendously over the last fifty years. Yet one of the most important aspects of tree work has changed very little: Arboriculture remains a profession built on mentorship.
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AGAINST THE ODDS By Ryfe Greenwood
Managing cottonwoods is never an easy feat. For esteemed arborist, Ryfe Greenwood, saving this beloved tree required a unique approach — one rooted in risk management rather than risk avoidance.
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WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
OUR FALL ISSUE COMING IN OCTOBER
Got a story idea you’d like to see? Send your ideas to editor@arbortimes.org . Do you have photos of your crew in action? Send them to info@arbortimes.org. Proper techniques and PPE — hard hats, eye and hearing protection, and fall protection — are a must for photos depicting field work.
ArborTIMES ™ Summer 2026 | 5
EVENT CALENDAR AUG - OCT
AUG 10-12
Puget Sound Tree Climbing Competition AUG 14
SEP 06
Canopy Exploration – Tree Climbing at Mountain Top Arboretum Mountain Top Arboretum - Tannersville, New York
ISA 2026 Annual Conference
Detroit, Michigan
Les Gove Park - Auburn, Washington
SEP 23-25
SEP 18-20
SEP 22-24
WTCW MA Tree Climbing Workshop
Texas Tree Conference
Trees & Utilities National Conference
Waco Convention Center - Waco, Texas
Mountain Top Arboretum - Tannersville, New York
Oregon Convention Center - Portland, Oregon
OCT 06-08
SEP 26-27
OCT 04-06
Georgia Arborist Associa- tion 28th Annual Tree Climbing Championship
Indiana Tree Climbing Competition
MAC-ISA Annual Meeting and Trade Show
Violet F. Stout Park - Lithia Springs, Georgia
Forest Park - Noblesville, Indiana
Oregon Convention Center - Portland, Oregon
ArborEXPO ™ ’27 Eastern States Exposition (The Big E) West Springfield, Massachusetts
APR 01-02 Pre-Con March 31
Learn, See, Try, and Buy!
ArborEXPO™ is a major event in the tree care industry that features educational sessions, workshops, and exhibitions for professionals. It brings together arborists and industry experts to share knowledge, showcase equipment, and promote safety and innovation in tree care.
For more details, visit the full calendar. | Did we miss something? Submit your event here.
6 | Summer 2026 ArborTIMES ™
EDGE AHEAD ASSOCIATES PRESENTS
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EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION (The Big E) | Springfield, MA
Attendees earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for less than $15 per unit (over 22 CEUs available).
ArborEXPO ™ ’27, the industry’s fastest-growing trade show and conference, will feature over 160 exhibitors, both indoor and outdoor, with equipment up and running to see in action! We provide the best value, offering something for everyone.
Evening Welcome Reception and plenty of networking opportunities.
Compete in ArborSPORTS ™ and put your crew’s skills on display. Honor excellence in arboriculture at the Arbor AWARDS ™ ceremony.
(516) 399-2627
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Through the Green Reentry Job Training program, Garden Time prepares formerly incarcerated Rhode Islanders for meaningful careers in the expanding green industry.
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Garden Time helps meet the green industry’s need for skilled, dependable workers while also helping the community create meaningful second chances for people returning home from prison.
Growing Second Chances Building an Arboriculture Workforce Inside Rhode Island’s Prison System By Dane Buell, ArborTIMES™ senior advisor
At some of the ACI gardens, “Garden Club” (as it’s called over the PA system) meets only once a week, assuming staffing levels and the weather cooperate. Once the harvest is shared, the gardeners get to work, buzzing around every corner of the geometric garden — carefully avoiding the planting beds, of course — and peppering the already warm morning air with ques- tions:
On a sunny morning at the Rhode Island Adult Correc- tional Institution (ACI), a handful of men hunch over the strawberry beds, literally reaping the fruits of their labor. Hardly a word is exchanged as they focus on the morning’s most important task: gathering the bright red berries by the handful before the critters — or the guards or other inmates — get to them. For these beginner gardeners, many of whom have been incarcerated for years, a ripe strawberry is more than a special breakfast. It’s a moment of sweetness, joy, and celebration of the dedication that has pro- duced an abundant harvest year after year. It might not look like a typical hands-on job training session on a municipal crew or at a tree care company. The trainees are wearing matching uniforms because they are all currently incarcerated. And that’s exactly the point. Garden Time , a Providence, Rhode Island-based non- profit, uses horticulture and arboriculture to address two urgent needs: the green industry’s demand for skilled, reliable workers and the community’s need to create meaningful second chances for people return- ing home from prison. At the center of that work is Kate Lacouture, Garden Time’s executive director and co-founder, who has quietly built a pathway from the prison yard to the urban forest.
“Is this a weed?”
“When can we plant more cilantro?”
“How do you know when the head lettuce is ready?”
“Can you bring more mulch?”
“Where is the fish emulsion?”
“What’s the deal with the job training program? How do I sign up when I get out?”
“Is this a good bug?”
“Kate, can you write me a parole letter?”
At the center of the garden are the program facilita- tors, fielding questions and patiently guiding the group through each task. Originally a volunteer, Lacouture is
ArborTIMES ™ Summer 2026 | 9
struggling to recruit and retain en- try-level tree workers. At the same time, communities are investing in expanding tree canopy in underserved neighborhoods but often lack the trained workforce needed to establish and maintain those trees. Tree work is physically demanding, requires a strong safety culture, and calls for workers who can learn techni- cal systems while performing outdoors in all conditions. Many incarcerated individuals already understand hard physical work and high-stakes environ- ments; what they’re often missing is a bridge to a legitimate career. Garden Time’s Green Reentry Job Training Program is designed to be that bridge. INSIDE THE WALLS: BUILDING WORKFORCE BASICS Within the constraints of a correctional environment, job training focuses on building strong fundamentals. Partic- ipants begin with what every arborist knows is non-negotiable: safety, team- work, environmental responsibility, and a strong work ethic. Incarcerated gardeners are introduced to the tools of the trade, job-site aware- ness, and effective communication,
After release, participants can join the Green Reentry Job Training Program, which builds on the skills they developed inside by offering focused training in tree care and other pathways across the green industry.
fined by past mistakes, the opportunity to invest in their communities carries its own quiet power. Urban tree care also addresses a pressing workforce need. Across New England and beyond, municipalities, utilities, and private companies are
a green industry professional who, like her colleagues, has spent years working in all kinds of gardens. This program has become her life's work.
FROM PRISON GARDENS TO PROFESSIONAL TREE CARE
Garden Time began with a simple prem- ise: meaningful work with plants can change lives. Inside several facilities at the Adult Correctional Institution, the organization maintains productive gar- dens that supply fresh produce while teaching horticultural fundamentals, including soil health, composting, bio- diversity, and seasonal planning. After release, participants can enroll in the Green Reentry Job Training Pro- gram, which builds on those in-prison foundations with a focus on tree care and other careers in the green indus- try. Lacouture recognized that many participants were drawn to the scale, technical skills, and long-term stew- ardship that arboriculture offers. For people whose lives have often been de-
Technical knowledge, however, is only part of what happens during Garden Time. Participants arrive with varying levels of work experience, education, and confidence.
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even if chainsaws and chippers aren’t available inside the facility. They dis- cuss how the work changes once power equipment enters the picture and why a strong ground crew is the backbone of every tree care operation. In place of bucket trucks and climbing systems, facilitators emphasize the tech- nical knowledge that serves as a founda- tion for any green industry career while helping participants develop the confi- dence and interpersonal skills needed to succeed both on the job and in life. Technical knowledge, however, is only part of what happens during Garden Time. Participants arrive with varying levels of work experience, education, and confidence. Some haven’t been in a classroom since they were teenag- ers. Others have spent years being told what they aren’t capable of. Garden Time’s approach is patient and practical. By connecting observation, communication, and critical thinking
Working as part of a team. For many participants, it’s often the first time they pull on a crew shirt, handle professional‑grade tools, and hear neighbors thank them for helping make local streets greener and cooler.
to real-world tree care and horticultural tasks, the program helps participants see themselves in a skilled trade. Mis- takes are treated as opportunities to learn rather than proof of failure. For people whose pasts are filled with things they cannot undo, discovering
they are capable of complex, respected work — even within a correctional set- ting — can be transformative. BEYOND THE WALLS: GREEN REENTRY AND THE CANOPY CREW Garden Time’s work doesn’t end at
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working as part of a team. For partici- pants, it’s often their first opportunity to wear a crew shirt, use professional tools, and hear community members thank them for making their neighbor- hoods greener and cooler. WHY THIS MATTERS TO THE TREE CARE INDUSTRY Programs like Garden Time are more than feel-good success stories — they’re an emerging workforce strategy. The same structural barriers that make it difficult to staff tree crews of- ten shape the lives of people returning from incarceration: •Limited exposure to skilled trades that provide family-sustaining wages. •Barriers to education, certification, and employment.
•Few connections to employers willing to offer an opportunity.
Garden Time addresses these chal- lenges by introducing green industry concepts during incarceration and re- inforcing them through a structured reentry program. That approach short- ens the learning curve employers often face with entry-level hires. A graduate who already understands root flare identification, proper mulching prac- tices, or basic pruning principles isn’t a fully trained arborist — but they’re significantly ahead of someone whose only outdoor work experience has been mowing a lawn. Just as importantly, Garden Time empha- sizes the workplace skills that determine long-term success. Tree work depends on trust, communication, accountability, and a strong safety culture. Many partic- ipants have already learned to function in high-pressure environments. When those experiences are paired with sup- portive training, mentorship, and clear expectations, they can become valuable members of a tree care crew.
Participants build practical skills through employer site visits, technical training from industry experts, hands‑on fieldwork, and a four‑day internship that lets them put their knowledge to work in a real professional environment.
Graduates with a particular interest in arboriculture may join Garden Time’s Canopy Crew, which cares for young street trees throughout Providence. Crew members receive advanced training and are responsible for watering, mulching, staking, and structural pruning — the essential early-care work that helps trees establish healthy form while protecting a city’s investment in its urban canopy. For employers, the Canopy Crew rep- resents a small but meaningful pipeline of workers who arrive with foundation- al technical knowledge and experience
the prison gate. After release, par- ticipants are encouraged to enroll in the Green Reentry Job Training Pro- gram, an intensive eight-week course that focuses on arboriculture, land- scaping, and urban agriculture with a clear focus on employability and long-term success. Participants gain hands-on experience through employer visits, technical in- struction from industry professionals, fieldwork, and a four-day internship that allows them to apply what they’ve learned in a professional setting.
Research has shown that quality voca-
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tion requirements — can make the difference between a temporary job and a lasting career. This isn’t charity. It’s an investment in building a skilled, committed work- force. People who have worked hard for a second chance often bring a level of dedication and resilience that em- ployers value. A LONGER VIEW OF THE CANOPY Outside the ACI, the street trees planted by Green Reentry trainees will likely shade sidewalks long after their planters have moved on. Some of the men and women who planted them may pass by those trees years later; others may never see them again. But the act of planting them carefully and correctly has already made a lasting impact. Garden Time’s model isn’t a quick fix, and Lacouture is the first to acknowl- edge that. Trees grow slowly. So do people. For an industry accustomed to working on long timelines, that pace should feel familiar. Arborists routinely invest in work whose greatest benefits they may never personally witness. Ex- tending that same long-term perspec- tive to people rebuilding their lives is a natural expression of the profession’s values. In Providence, Rhode Island, the re- sults are already becoming visible: a growing group of workers entering green careers with meaningful train- ing and experience, and a community whose urban canopy is stronger be- cause of their work. For tree care professionals concerned about the future of both the workforce and the urban forest, Garden Time of- fers a compelling example. With thoughtful instruction, patient mentor- ship, and a willingness to recognize potential where others see only past mistakes, a correctional facility can be- come an unlikely nursery — one where skills, confidence, and second chances are cultivated every day.
Graduates who secure steady employment don’t just transform their own futures — they strengthen their families and the communities around them.
Tree care is patient work. So is person- al change. Both require people willing to return season after season to prune, mulch, adjust, and try again. WHAT EMPLOYERS CAN DO For employers interested in supporting programs like Garden Time, Lacou- ture’s advice is straightforward: treat them like any other workforce develop- ment pipeline. • Connect with organizations like Garden Time and learn what participants are being taught. Align entry-level positions with skills such as tree identification, planting, watering, and ground operations. • Offer site visits or job-shadowing opportunities so participants can experience a professional tree crew and better understand employer expectations. • Consider structured interviews or paid work trials for graduates of prison-based and reentry green industry programs. • Provide mentorship whenever possible. A foreman or experienced crew member who understands the challenges of reentry — including housing, transportation, and proba-
tional training during incarceration is associated with higher employment rates and lower recidivism after release. Grad- uates who secure stable employment don’t just improve their own lives — they strengthen families and communities. When those careers are in tree care, the benefits extend even further through healthier street trees, better-maintained parks, and stronger urban forests. TEACHING TREES, TEACHING TIME Trees offer a natural metaphor for change. Young trees need the right conditions to thrive: healthy soil, proper planting depth, consistent watering, and protec- tion from damage. Neglect those early years, and correcting problems later becomes much more difficult. Many of the people who participate in Garden Time understand what it’s like to grow up without those early supports. The connection is never forced, but it’s always present. When participants identify a girdling root or discuss structural pruning, they’re also learn- ing about intervention, resilience, and long-term stewardship. They see how a strong root system supports healthy growth and how trees develop strength by responding to the forces around them.
14 | Summer 2026 ArborTIMES ™
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Tree injections can be an effective way to deliver targeted treatments in trees.
16 | Summer 2026 ArborTIMES ™
Micro-injection has become the new delivery standard for many pesticides, micronutrients and fungicides, delivered by drilling a small, shallow hole around the root flare.
Micro Vs. Macro Making the Right Call with Tree Injections By Matt Smithmier
Even in the age of the laser-guided “in- telligent sprayer,” the shift away from broad-spectrum foliar spraying is only ac- celerating. First, there’s the issue of simple ineffective- ness: After all, depending on wind, sunlight and the time of year, a good number of those chemicals may never reach the target plant. These sprays also like to go wherever they want — including where they shouldn’t: A 2024 study from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources looked at 185 differ- ent woodland, grassland and wetland sites across the state and found 41 different chemical compounds — with at least one found at 97% of the sites. Of course, liability for arborists is also high- er with spraying, which means increased insurance rates and more regulatory hoops. And with the EPA acknowledging that by- stander exposure should be expected even under proper application , pros face a level of public scrutiny like never before. “They assume if you show up with a spray truck, you’re spraying Agent Orange … and their kids are going to have six toes,” said Chip Doolittle, president of Omaha-based ArborSystems . “So, you’ve got a giant
weight around you if you’re just spraying trees.” Of course, as spraying has declined, trunk injections have grown: From some of the first pre-filled capsules in the 1960s to the innovative low-pressure, micro-injection tools of today, arborists are increasingly implementing these more precise, environ- mentally contained alternative treatments for insect control, disease prevention and nutrient administration. Today, arborists are taking advantage of a variety of micro-injection and macro-injec- tion treatments, but when is each one most appropriate — and what should arborists consider before choosing? MICRO-INJECTIONS: PRECISION DELIVERY FOR MODERN PHC Bret Cleveland is the owner of Urban Tree Specialists in Kansas City, Missouri, and has seen the rapid evolution of plant health care firsthand over the last 25 years. “When we first started and were applying iron, we were just drilling holes around the base of the tree and dumping straight chelated iron in,” he said. “The tree would turn green
ArborTIMES ™ Summer 2026 | 17
deep) around the root flare. The con- centrated product is injected into the xylem or sapwood and distributed through the vascular system via the natural sap flow, delivering the chem- icals to branches, leaves and roots. Micro-injections are also defined by the amount of chemical administered: usu- ally just one to five mL per site. It was the scourge of the emerald ash borer (EAB) that really served as the turning point for micro-injections, said Kevin Brewer, northeast territory tech- nical manager for Arborjet Ecologel , a manufacturer of many of the chemicals used in the technique. “Tree injections became the gold stan- dard to successfully treat pests,” he said. “It really opened people’s eyes to the effectiveness of it, the ease of it, and the sustainability of it.” One of the most effective chemicals for EAB is emamectin benzoate, which can also provide multi-year control for two-
A PHC specialist performs a trunk injection of imidacloprid to treat an EAB infected tree.
In fact, a micro-injection has become the new delivery standard for many pesticides, micronutrients and fun- gicides, delivered by drilling a small, shallow hole (typically up to 3/8-inch
for a year, and then we’d do it again. Now, we use the micro-injection method much more oen. You can dial it into the size of the tree, so it’s literally down to a science. We’ve come a long way.”
18 | Summer 2026 ArborTIMES ™ Learn more! Call 800.698.4641 or visit ArborSystems.com for information and videos Our advanced technology for tree treatment allows you to INCREASE THE NUMBER OF TREES YOU TREAT IN A DAY!
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Multiple injection tips designed for all types of trees, conifers and palms )NSECTICIDES s &UNGICIDES s 0'2S s !NTIBIOTICS s -ICRO.UTRIENTS
The patented QUIK-jet AIR from ArborJet offers precise dose measuring and air-powered injection in a lightweight aluminum body.
Belter, BCMA, owner of ArborCare & Consulting , advisor to Mauget , and an industry educator. “Studies show high pressure causes more damage to trees at the injection site,” he said. “Also, chemical solutions with an insufficient water-to-chemical ratio can cause further damage and phytotoxicity, especially when there’s high heat and less soil moisture.”
lined chestnut borer and bronze birch borer, as well as seasonal control of Japanese beetle, bagworm, oakworm, and others. Brewer said the higher con- centration means quicker delivery. “You can set the equipment to howev- er many milliliters and just give it one port,” he said. “Then you’re giving it an even distribution around the base.” Of course, micro-injections aren’t the silver bullet for every plant health care scenario. If the tree is too large or too compromised, or if uptake conditions are poor (due to excessive heat, cold or sat- uration), the outcome may not be ideal. “If it’s 95 degrees out, am I going to get good results from my injection? Probably not,” said Bill Stringfellow, managing director for Quest Products Corporation . “You’re going to get better results when it’s cooler and you have some wind blowing and when the tree is actively transpiring. You’ll get better uptake, basically.” The nature of micro-injections might also make them inappropriate for some trees in certain situations, said Kevin
MACRO-INJECTIONS: HIGH-VOLUME SOLUTIONS FOR HIGH-STAKES ISSUES
Some diseases, however, require a big- ger response. Macro-injections require a larger hole (typically a 3/8-inch di- ameter) and a much higher amount of liquid going into the tree. Instead of a small amount of a very concentrated
A trunk injection delivers systemic treatment directly into a tree’s vascular system. Injections are recom‑ mended between mid-June and mid-July for optimal uptake.
ArborTIMES ™ Summer 2026 | 19
According to Brewer, however, it usually comes down to product preference. He sees good success with Arbotect 20-S from Rainbow Ecoscience on beech leaf disease, but that product is specifically indicated for macro-infusion only. “There’s not really much that can only be treated through macro-in- jection anymore,” he said. “It comes down to product choice… It’s not about one being more effective than the other. It’s just how you choose and what research you choose to use as your system.” Macro-infusions may also outperform micro in terms of their speed of dis- tribution and mobility in trees, Belter said, especially to the terminal ends of long branches. Just beware that if the chemical is phytotoxic, you could see a higher risk of it actually killing the tree. “Regarding large trees or long-term control,” he said, “the chemical for- mulation and the allowed label rates matching actual severe infection rates of a tree with said body mass is a deci- sive factor.” Macro is typically not as effective when uptake is slowed by high soil moisture or on very hot or cold days, and trees with compromised vascular systems may also not see great results.
UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS: WOUNDS, PRESSURE, CROSS- CONTAMINATION
The QUIK‑jet is a cost effective injection tool built for lower‑dose treatments, and it can also serve as a diagnostic device to evaluate tree health and vascular function.
While micro- and macro-injections can easily be credited for saving countless trees, the techniques aren’t without risks. Drilling creates wounds, however small they may be, and repeated treatments around the tree year after year can add up to a lot of wounds. Macro-injections, for example, can require 75 injection sites on one 50-inch tree. According to Belter, the pressure re- quired for some of these injections may also be problematic.
While micro-injections make up the vast majority of his company’s treat- ments, Cleveland said he still regularly uses macro for systemic fungicides for Dutch elm and oak wilt. He’s also seen better results when treating sycamore anthracnose. “There are micro-infusion treatments for it, but we’ve just had better results with the macro-infusion,” he said. “You pay more for the macro, but it lasts lon- ger and it’s better.”
chemical, macro-injections use a high volume of water-diluted solution — think gallons instead of milliliters. “When Dutch elm disease came through and wiped out block after block of trees, there wasn’t any way to stop it,” Cleveland said. “So, when this macro infusion came along, it can pre- vent the disease from spreading. It’s basically an inoculation or a vaccine that lasts two or three years.”
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several variables and the arborist’s own decision framework: •Will the tree decline or die without treatment? •What are the customer’s goals: aesthetic, survival or long-term management? •How sensitive is the species to phy- totoxicity or slow uptake? And, of course, weather and climate of a given region will always play a role. “Ultimately, arborists should absolutely not utilize a one-method, one-device ap- proach in all circumstances but rather be competent and have on hand a diver- sity of products and equipment,” Belter said. When choosing products and types of injection devices, the deciding factor should always be the desired outcome.
“Macro-infusions tend to run at a much lower pressure and are more oriented, for example, like an IV in one’s arm at the hospital,” he explained. “The goal is to introduce and allow it to infiltrate according to the tree’s natural photo- synthetic rate/vascular mobility. Micro, on the other hand, tends to be oriented to a very high pressure to ensure rapid injection of the solution in spite of what the tree’s vascular rate may be at.” While rare, cross-contamination could be an issue as well, especially for arbor- ists treating multiple trees in a single day without sterilizing the drill bits and equipment before each new injection. “You’re treating an ash tree to prevent it from getting emerald ash borer, but the ash tree before the one you’re doing now had ash yellows,” Cleveland said. “It can now be spread to the tree you’re treating.” At the end of the day, the choice of treatment ultimately comes down to
ourselves to ethical commitments sim- ilar to the Hippocratic oath that human doctors take,” Belter continued. “We should not make profits the ultimate factor determining how or with what we offer for plant health care.” THE FUTURE OF PHC: NEW TOOLS, NEW FORMULATIONS Where will the next evolution of plant health care take us? The industry is continually working on new formula- tions and new devices designed to treat trees more effectively, while reducing the impact on the environment (and hopefully saving some time and effort for the arborist as well). “We’re seeing more and more applica- tions for better, softer, gentler, kinder type of applications that deal more with the soil biota,” Stringfellow said. One example is Quest’s Reliant Sys- temic Fungicide, a phosphite-based product that Stringfellow compares
“We as ‘tree doctors’ should also hold
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in the outer ring of xylem and that’s where 95% of uptake is.” Industry experts are also predicting a change in the chemicals themselves: Neonicotinoids (often called “neonics”), a class of synthetic, neurotoxic insec- ticides, were created to replace the harmful organophosphates, but now even the neonics are facing increasing restrictions. “People are going back to using or- ganophosphates, which are a little more hazardous, but legal,” Brewer ex- plained. “Right now, there’s still kind of a gap… So, I think you’ll see safer replacements start to come out in that department.” While treatment will never be a one- sized-fits-all approach, arborists should instead strive to understand the biolo- gy, chemistry, site conditions and the customer’s goals when considering the right approach. And when used thoughtfully, both micro- and macro-in- jections can deliver long-term sustain- able plant health care. WHERE SCIENCE MEETS STEWARDSHIP For all the advances in chemistry, delivery systems, and diagnostics, the future of plant health care will still depend on sound arboricultural judgment. New products may become more targeted, less invasive, and more environmentally compatible, but no injection, drench, or spray can replace a thorough understanding of tree biology and site conditions. As the PHC toolbox continues to ex- pand, arborists will have more options than ever before. The challenge — and the opportunity — will be knowing not just how to treat a tree, but when treat- ment is appropriate, what outcome is realistic, and how to balance efficacy, cost, and environmental responsibil- ity. In that sense, the future of plant health care is not simply about better products.
To treat this pine for bark beetles, the arborist chose the Wedgle Direct Inject from ArborSystems, which eliminates the need for drilling.
times it takes a little longer for you to see the results, but compared to what we call conventional chemistry, it’s softer in its mode of action.” Delivery systems are also seeing some new innovations: The Wedgle from ArborSystems is designed to offer an alternative to what Doolittle calls the “drill and tap” methods. The device injects chemicals directly through the bark without the need for drilling. He said the vascular system remains undisturbed, maintaining nutrient movement, and the process only takes an estimated 15 seconds per injection site, with an even smaller amount of chemical required. “We’re not wasting the chemical in the wood of the tree where it locks up,” Doolittle stated. “We’re putting it all
to some of the immunotherapy drugs made for humans. “It actually precipitates the immune response of the plant,” he said. “Some-
RELIANT is a systemic fungicide with mobility through both the xylem and phloem, allowing it to circulate throughout every part of the plant.
It’s about making better decisions.
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Together we can re-root the future of oaks. Yet across the country they’re stressed by climate shifts, pests, and neglect. Many problems are treatable if action is taken early. Find diagnostic tools and expert advice you can share with your customers at TreesNeedYou.com . Oaks play a vital role in every ecosystem they inhabit, including our urban forests.
SCAN TO LEARN MORE
ArborTIMES ™ Summer 2026 | 23
Golden silk orb-weavers have venom, but it is not harmful to humans. Their bites are typically less painful than a bee sting and pose little health concern to healthy adults.
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PPE Series
Hidden Hazards in the Canopy Eight-Legged Threats By Mara Watts
ard assessments, and first aid for stings and bites. But above all, the webinars stress the need for arbor- ists to research local wildlife, and to educate themselves on potential haz- ards to ensure safety in their work. “Arborists aren’t without hazards,” Thierbach shared. “You need to know what you’re dealing with, and what you should be looking for. Keep your eyes peeled for things like squir- rels, ticks, spiders, water moccasins, snakes, alligators, hornets…I could go on and on.”
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably seen recent headlines warning the public about serious tickborne illnesses. Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) and Lyme disease are affecting thousands across the country, and outdoor workers are at an especially elevated risk. With the complications of these diseases rang- ing from severe gastro-intestinal dis- tress to anaphylaxis, the risk of tick bites cannot be understated. To help mitigate such risks, Dawn Thierbach, ISA Certified Arborist and co-proprietor of Victorian Gardens, develops and conducts webinars in collaboration with Streamside Green to educate arborists about the hidden hazards crawling and buzzing about the canopy. “We developed the webinars during COVID because CEUs weren’t avail- able at the time,” she explained. “We wanted to provide arborists with safety information focused on com- mon encounters with insects and animals.” During the webinars, educators em- phasize the importance of PPE, haz-
To continue our safety series on bites and stings, this article will take an in-depth look at ticks and spiders including where certain species live, common disease and bite symptoms to watch for, and helpful tools and equipment you can use to protect yourself from a bite. ARACHNID BITES: TICKS & SPIDERS Tick Bites In recent headlines, tickborne ill- nesses – such as Alpha-gal syndrome and Lyme disease – have been a hot
Just as important is performing a job briefing before work begins. In do- ing so, you might spot a web, nest, hive, or eggs, in- dicating a wildlife hazard is present. Depending on the animal or insect, you may choose to
and concerning topic. The CDC estimates that nearly 450,000 people in the United States may be affected by AGS , while over 89,000 cases of Lyme disease were reported by state health departments and the District of Columbia in 2023 alone.
delay work until the hazard has been properly removed by local wildlife professionals or an exter- minator.
These debilitating and potentially life-threatening conditions are in- creasing across the United States and are often the result of a tick bite.
ArborTIMES™ Summer 2026 | 25
threats you’re facing and how to avoid or prevent bites.” Common Ticks and Where to Find Them One of the most concerning — but thankfully, identifiable — subspecies of ticks is the Lone Star ( Amblyomma americanum ). This species is identified by its deep brown body and a light yel- low-ish dot in the center of its back. A bite from this insect can cause Al- pha-gal syndrome, which can result in an allergy to red meat, and in severe cases, severe anaphylaxis. Along with AGS, these ticks can also transmit eh- rlichiosis, tularemia, heartland virus, bourbon virus, and southern tick-as- sociated rash illness (STARI).
The Lone Star tick can be found across the entire United States, but their populations are heavily concentrated in the North- east, South, and Midwest regions of the U.S. View the CDC’s Lone Star Tick Surveillance map here.
Lone Star tick (seen above) - This species is identified by its deep brown body and a light yellow-ish dot in the center of its back. To the right is an American dog tick.
Another species to be aware of is the American dog tick ( Dermacentor variabilis ). It’s most commonly found east of the Rocky Mountains, though this subspecies can still make an ap- pearance in western regions. These ticks are most active during the warm- er spring and summer months, with adult females being the most likely to bite humans and warm-blooded ani- mals. They are known carriers of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) and tularemia, two potentially serious and even life-threatening diseases if left un- treated. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can produce symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and a characteristic rash. If diagnosis and treatment are delayed, the disease can lead to organ damage, neurological complications, and death. Tularemia, meanwhile, can infect the skin, lymph nodes, lungs, and other organs, of-
viruses. The challenge? Those few species are widespread
An Inescapable Risk While ticks are most active during warm- er months — typically April through September — bites can be problematic year-round as long as outdoor tempera- tures stay above freezing. In fact, 2026 is slated to be one of the worst years of the decade in terms of tick bites, partly in thanks to the mild winter conditions that kept these pests active for a longer period of time. Part of the arachnid family, ticks are very tiny and difficult to spot, let alone feel, when crawling on the body and clothing. Tick larvae, or “seed ticks,” are so small, they only measure about 0.5 to 1 mm in size and are among the most prone to bite. According to the CDC, many tick spe- cies are found throughout the world , but only a few actually bite and trans- mit harmful pathogens, bacteria, and
across the United States with dense populations wherever they are found. As it stands, 19 states have been des- ignated as very high-risk zones for Lyme’s disease, the most at-risk region being the Northeast. Unfortunately, arborists work in the conditions where ticks thrive the best — moist, shaded environments like grassy fields, thick brush, and heavily wooded areas. Groundsmen are espe- cially vulnerable while cleaning up leaf litter and log piles, while climbers may come into contact with ticks at height in dense canopies. Thierbach encourages all tree care workers to educate themselves about the types of ticks and tickborne ill- nesses common to their region: “By doing so, you’ll better understand what
26 | Summer 2026 ArborTIMES™
ten resulting in fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and skin ulcers at the site of the tick bite. View the CDC’s American Dog Tick Surveillance map here . For those working in the eastern part of the United States, the blacklegged tick ( lxodes scapularis ), or the deer tick, is a primary concern. This species is espe- cially prevalent across the northeast, including Maine, Massachusetts, and New York. It can also be found in nearly every part of Florida and along the coast of North Carolina. These ticks are very active for most of the year, except during winter or below freezing temperatures. And, just like the American dog tick, adult females commonly bite humans. These tiny pests can transmit several serious diseases that pose risks to tree care professionals, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and Powassan virus — a rare but potentially severe infection that can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or the mem- branes surrounding the brain and spi- nal cord (meningitis). View the CDC’s Blacklegged Tick Sur- veillance map here . But that’s not all — other species of ticks crawl about “out there.” These include: • The Asian longhorned tick ( Haemaphysalis longicornis ) - Native to East Asia, this invasive species is now commonly found in the North- east, Southeast, and Midwest. • Brown dog tick ( Rhipicephalus san- guineus ) - Found worldwide. • Gulf Coast tick ( Amblyomma maculatum ) - Primarily found in the southeastern United States, but has been spotted in the Northeast, Midwest, and Southwest. • Rocky Mountain wood tick ( Dermacentor andersoni ) - Found in — you guessed it — the Rocky Mountain states and southwestern Canada. It’s often found at eleva- tions above 4,000 feet.
•Muscle and joint pain •Extreme fatigue •Swollen lymph nodes
Symptoms of a Tick Bite Because tick bites are known to trans- mit a wide variety of illnesses and con- ditions, symptoms will also vary. At the bite site, localized symptoms may include: •A small, itchy red bump - this may appear within an hour or two of the bite. •A bull’s-eye rash known as ery- thema migrans. If this develops, it often signals Lyme disease; however, this isn’t a definite sign of the condition. •Small, red, or purplish blood spot rash on the skin around the bite site. This type of rash can indicate Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Systemic illness may also appear with- in one to four weeks of the initial bite. These symptoms may include:
If any of the above symptoms occur, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider immediately. For more information on tickborne illnesses and their related symptoms, visit the CDC Tickborne Diseases Guide . PPE Recommendations While working in an area where ticks are prevalent, consider using the fol- lowing PPE: •Wear light-colored clothing, like a bright yellow or orange high-vis vest. This will help make ticks easier to spot. •Tuck pants into thick socks or boots. Some arborists even swear by wrapping duct tape (sticky side out) around the ankles to trap ticks. •Wear chemically treated (0.5% per- methrin) clothing designed to ward off ticks and other pests.
•Fever and chills •Headaches or migraines
If bitten by an infected tick, a bull's-eye-rash a bull’s‑eye–shaped rash, called erythema migrans, may appear. While it often suggests Lyme disease, it isn’t a guaranteed indicator.
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