Field Observations of Tree Injection

Abstract

This paper examines tree injection from the view point of the contracting arborist. Contract arborists are responsible for applying the art and science of tree injection, as developed by the utility foresters, city arborists and chemical manufacturers to its commercial phase. In making a commercial application of plant growth regulators to trees, specifically those trimmed around electrical wires, the contract arborist has encountered a multitude of unexpected situations. These operational problems continually hinder the practice, development and refinement of this new science or management tool. Problems of tree physiology and program implementation were not solved until the desired material could be placed in the tree accurately and consistently. Today many equipment variations exist, each filling a perceived need in the search for reliable trunk injection equipment.