Crape myrtle: Treated with paclobutrazol, this tree displays reduced growth over years compared to if left untreated.
These shifts can significantly improve drought tolerance and pest resistance. Thicker cuticles slow water loss and create an additional barrier against foliar diseases, while altered leaf mor- phology may make the plant less recog- nizable as a host to certain pathogens. Trichomes help maintain a more stable microclimate on the leaf surface, limit- ing moisture loss in both hot and cold conditions. In some species, fine root density in- creases after TGR application. Because poor root development is often linked to chlorosis and decline, pairing TGRs with sound cultural practices may help stabilize trees that show early signs of stress or slow deterioration . WHY ARBORISTS USE TGRS: GROWTH REGULATION For trees growing close to infrastruc- ture, regulating growth through TGRs
rather than relying solely on mechan- ical pruning can lead to more sustain- able, lower-maintenance landscapes. TGRs allow managers to maintain large, maturing trees in tight spac- es for longer periods, preserve the
structure of small ornamental trees, and reduce the frequency of pruning cycles. Fewer pruning cycles mean fewer wounds, and fewer opportunities for
TGRs help managers keep large, maturing trees contained in limited spaces for longer, maintain the natural form of smaller ornamental trees, and extend the time between necessary pruning cycles.
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