tion, modifying cultural practices, and favoring resistant varieties. Pesticides tend to be used only as a last resort. “IPM is still a relatively new concept. It wasn’t developed all that long ago,” Ware explained. “It’s a very important part of the plant healthcare program and integrates other management techniques other than just spraying or chemical management techniques.” According to Ware, one IPM practice is to examine the site for signs of benefi- cial insects that may already be prey- ing on the pests you’re there to man- age. In this type of situation, Ware says the best thing an arborist can do is take a step back and consider other means of pest management. “Things like improving the health of the tree or using less impactful prod- ucts at different times of the year,” he says. IPM practices prioritize prevention, monitoring, and non-chemical inter- ventions whenever feasible. Factors such as tree health, ecosystem dynam- ics, and pest life cycles are used to de- velop a comprehensive management plan that minimizes reliance on chemi- cal treatments while promoting ecolog- ical balance. ASSESSING THE SITUATION An effective IPM tree care strategy be- gins with a thorough site assessment, encompassing not only the tree in question but also its surrounding en- vironment. Tree care professionals are tasked with evaluating factors such as: • Pest infestation severity • Tree health indicators • Potential collateral damage to nearby vegetation or structures “It’s a safety assessment in so many ways,” Ware said. “We’re looking for things like waterways and playsets and vegetable gardens. Where are the prop- erty lines located?”
Tree injections make use of the tree's vascular system.
injections going on today,” said Duffy. “And one of the biggest things that goes on on rainy days, of course, is root feeding of trees.” By assessing your site, adhering to best practices, and monitoring weather fore- casts, arborists can minimize risks and optimize outcomes during spraying op- erations. PPE AND SPRAYING EQUIPMENT Investing in the right equipment is es- sential for ensuring the safety and effi- cacy of spraying operations. Arborists should utilize calibrated sprayers, proper nozzles, and applica- tion techniques that minimize dri and maximize coverage. Conducting reg- ular maintenance and keeping equip- ment clean are also paramount to pre- vent cross-contamination and ensure consistent performance. Equally important is the use of person- al protective equipment (PPE) to shield against exposure to chemicals and mit- igate health risks for workers. Keep- ing PPE clean and in good condition is equally important, according to Ware. “I’ll see lots of people that are wear- ing it, but it doesn’t look like it’s been cleaned in years,” he says. “So, it’s al- most worse, because now you’re taking a helmet or gloves that haven’t been
Ware also mentioned that knowing where the property lines are is critical information to prevent chemical tres- passing. “If we’re spraying on Mrs. Jones prop- erty, we certainly don’t want to get any- thing on Mrs. Smith’s property next door,” he said. “It introduces a whole host of other issues that we don’t want to deal with.” This holistic approach enables arbor- ists to make informed decisions re- garding treatment options, whether it involves targeted spraying, injections, or alternative methods. Additionally, identifying sensitive areas such as veg- etable gardens or playgrounds ensures proper precautions are taken to pre- vent unintended harm. CONSIDER THE WEATHER Weather conditions play a crucial role in the success of spraying operations and the safety of arborists and the envi- ronment. Spraying should generally be avoided during adverse weather condi- tions, such as rain, high winds, or ex- treme temperatures. Not only can these conditions compromise the efficacy of treatments, but they can also increase the risk of dri, runoff, or contamina- tion. “Everybody’s always concerned about spray dri, so there are a lot of tree
ArborTIMES Spring 2024 | 39
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online