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Tree Spraying FAQ

Are tree spraying chemicals safe?  Yes if handled correctly. While we usually recommend keeping pets way from a tree until its dries (about  40 minutes) many studies have been conducted about the effects of frequent long-term exposure to the chemicals we source and all have proven them to be safe.

What about backyard ponds with fish?   Fish may be affected and even killed if spraying is not done correctly. We typically recommend a merit injection in this situation if possible.

What other bugs are active in the area?

Even more troublesome to our community than mountain pine beetles are IPS beetles which are much less picky,  munching on spruce and pines of all types and sizes. Other bugs to watch out for include ash and willow borers, pine zimmerman moth and aphids.

Is spraying the only way to prevent tree pests?

Yes and no. Just like any other process of nature, pests tend to target weaker trees first so regular watering in winter and summer and consistent fertilization will make a tree more healthy and less resistant to attack. But not immune.

I thought ArborScape was coming by to spray my trees today?

It is against state law to spray trees when it is too windy. We are about to call and reschedule! Seriously, if it is rainy or wet, we may also postpone because the spray will not bond properly to the leaves and branches making your treatment less effective. 

Do I have to be home?

No. We call and leave a message the day before we will be spraying your trees. If  you are not home we will leave a copy of the chemicals applied and an invoice.

What types of PHC applications are there?

The short answer is a lot. Here is the long answer.  A General Spray is the foundational visit we make every 6 to 8 weeks. In Colorado, we are controlling aphids, spider mites and leafhoppers among other common pests all summer long. We recommend 2 to 4 treatments per growing season.  ArborScape only sprays trees and shrubs in need as excessive spraying creates chemical waste in your yard and destroys your plant's natural defense.

Special Sprays are typically one time preventive sprays that need to be done to target a particular pest.  Common conditions that require special sprays include pine zimmerman moth, ash borer, IPS beetle and mountain pine beetles. 

A Basal Bark Application is put onto the tree bark and can penetrate and move through the tree system (cambium layer). A backpack sprayer is used to apply the tree trunk three to five feet from the ground. This falls under the category of a special spray done on as as needed basis. 

A Soil Injection is when a  chemical auch as Merit is put into the soil and then moves from the roots to the leaves through the tree blood system (cambium layer). The advantage of this process is it can be combined with fertilization.  Soil injection controls insects for most of the growing season.

Micro Injection   is directly injecting chemical into the tree by drilling holes through the bark. This means less chemical use and no run-off. The entire chemical is contained within the tree. Typically we are treating for blight or other conditions that require anti-biotics.  

Have any other questions? Contact us and let us know.