Is a topical application of a highly refined petroleum product that has a additive emulsifier to allow it to mix. These oils kill exposed insects and mites by either suffocating (asphyxiation) them or by directly penetrating the cuticle and destroying internal cells. Best applied before bud break in ideal temperatures (40-70 degrees) in less than 6mph. of wind for full coverage. Plants under stress, especially drought could have increased risk of injury from this spray.
Other plants that are sensitive to oil sprays are;
Evergreens, Smoke Tree, Japanese Maples, Red Buds and Hickories, annual flowers
There are many issues with spraying as you can read. The chances of successfully getting full coverage are unlikely, there is no residual and the price for application is usually high. There is no gauge of success and you generally require more sprays throughout the growing season.
ALTERNATIVE THAT WORKS
How about an alternative that works; works longer , kills more damaging insects, leaves the beneficial insects safe, is cost effective and has full coverage season long.
We have been working with systemics now going on 10 years. And it all makes sense with added benefit; applied in the dormant season as a soil injection along with a slow release nitrogen fertilizer it will protect from damaging insects, increase health and vigor all growing season long.
The Tree Doctor
A tree doctor brings specific experience and expertise to your issue, adding to the accurate diagnosis and treatment of tree problems, helping to ensure healthy trees and plants for years to come. These Arborist should be licensed through the state and hold other designations validating there knowledge.
When you think of trimmers the first that comes to mind is that old dusty orange piece of power tool on the top shelf. Wrapped in electric and duck tape from previous severings the entire length of the extension cord with memory of each pullings apart of the wire or cuttings of the cord. You find yourself questioning, how long will this take this time, as you clean off the tool, preparing for the next incident to occur. You wish it not to occur and take all precautions to prevent it , as you reel out the cord slowly in the direction of the work, but it just seems to happen, at least every time prior.
Is this where it ends, well it depends, some move up as in the use of ladders, others onto gas powered trimmers, and still others to contractors
The definition of trimmer is to make neat or orderly by clipping, paring. What we are talking about now is the tree trimmer. This in itself is the wrong term, especially when describing tree work. Would this not be the first red flag in hiring a contractor? Arborist do not trim trees they prune them , that is where the difference begins and ends.
I will continue this discussion on the next blog.
As in every market, Dallas/Fort Worth being one of the most challenged, most of the 200 + companies that are listed in the yellow pages only 10 percent are qualified. Qualified in that most have taken at least this first step in acquiring certification in Arboriculture. The others, well I would say if you want trimmers this is what you’re going to get. Then again you may get lucky and with your supervision and guidance achieve the results you were looking for.
The Tree Doctor is someone who has an extensive background in plant health care. Is certified as a Arborist and holds a license with the state of Texas to prescribe and perform any treatments with medicines on trees or shrubs. Additionally if the There is a Board Certified Master Arborist or a registered Consulting Arborist available it is this added value (experience) that will get you the answers in the most efficient and economical manner.
North Texas is the cross roads of borers, it is borerville. As adults we find them as beetles, moths, weevils, and wasps. For every part of the plant there is a borer that mother nature has made to feed on. So it is generally not a good sign when you can actually go out to your trees and pick these critters right off your tree. At the time of adulthood these critters are generally looking for trouble, meaning their looking for mates and a place to stay(your tree). Exit holes mean they have already done there damage and can either return or look for a more suitable place, possibly less crowded. Bleeding is an indication that there active, eating machines, the tree responds by trying to pitch it out. Sometimes successful, most of the time not. But there is help and the new chemistry out there is very effective. With cultural care, treatment we can save and recover tree health.