As an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, my journey in the realm of tree care has been marked by a steadfast commitment to the health and longevity of our precious green pets (trees!). Yet, recent events have underscored the critical importance of approaching tree treatments with caution and discernment, particularly when it comes to the use of trunk injections.
Allow me to share a cautionary tale that recently crossed my path, serving as a sobering reminder of the potential risks inherent in indiscriminate trunk injection practices. A gentleman, seeking to safeguard the health of his beloved palm trees, entrusted their care to a tree company that opted for trunk injections as the method of choice. However, tragedy struck when 19 out of his 21 palm trees succumbed to premature demise within a mere two-year span, leaving behind a landscape marred by loss and devastation.
Upon closer examination, it became apparent that the root of this catastrophe lay in the reckless administration of trunk injections on relatively young palm trees with a trunk diameter of merely 4 inches. This egregious oversight resulted in irreversible damage to the trees’ vascular systems, hastening their decline and eventual demise. Understandably, the distraught property owner found himself grappling with the repercussions of this ill-fated decision, culminating in a legal battle against the tree company for negligence.
In light of this unfortunate ordeal, it behooves us to reflect on the broader implications of trunk injections and the pivotal role they play in tree care practices. While trunk injections can offer an expedient and targeted means of delivering essential nutrients, pesticides, or fungicides directly into a tree’s vascular system, their indiscriminate use can carry significant risks, particularly when administered on trees with smaller trunk diameters.
The crux of the issue lies in the inherent trauma inflicted upon the tree’s cambium and vascular tissues during the injection process. When performed incorrectly or on inadequately sized trees, trunk injections can inflict irreversible damage, compromising the tree’s ability to transport vital nutrients and water. This disruption to the tree’s circulatory system sets in motion a cascade of physiological stressors that culminate in weakened defenses, increased susceptibility to pathogens, and ultimately, premature decline and mortality.
On top of this, there is much research to indicate that trunk injections can harm the structural stability of the tree. As most trunk injection systems require drilling beyond the cambium where the medicine is transported by the tree, this often pushes past the natural barriers produced by the trees and allows fungal and other pathogens access to the heartwood of the tree, where most trees have great difficulty defending against those pathogens. Over time, pathogens can consume the heartwood of the tree, and leave the tree structurally compromised.
However, amidst the shadows cast by this cautionary tale, a beacon of hope emerges in the form of less invasive alternatives that eschew the use of permanent trunk and cambium wounds. Systems such as the Wedgle Direct Inject system offer a promising paradigm shift in tree treatment methodologies, delivering targeted solutions with minimal impact on the tree’s structural integrity.
By bypassing the need for intrusive drilling that leave big holes in the tree, and instead employing micro-injection techniques, the Wedgle Direct Inject system minimizes trauma to the tree while ensuring precise and efficacious delivery of treatments. This innovative approach not only mitigates the risk of collateral damage but also affords trees the opportunity to heal and recover without the burden of enduring permanent wounds.
As stewards of our urban forests, it is on us humans to exercise prudence and discernment in our approach to tree care practices. While trunk injections hold undeniable potential as a valuable tool in our arsenal, their judicious application is paramount to safeguarding the health and vitality of our arboreal allies. Let us heed the lessons gleaned from past missteps and embrace a more enlightened path forward—one that prioritizes the well-being of trees and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Let us heed the lessons gleaned from past missteps and embrace a more enlightened path forward—one that prioritizes the well-being of trees and the ecosystems they inhabit.
And if you need help with your sick or stressed tree that you have, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at the contact info below!
My Best, Always,
Matt Latham – 713.385.7040
Board Certified Master Arborist #TX-3737B
Member – American Society of Consulting Arborists
mattlathambcma@gmail.com
www.arboristondemand.org