Ask the Experts
Tree injection is a targeted method of delivering a tree-protection treatment directly into the tree’s vascular system. Instead of broadly spraying the surrounding area, the treatment is introduced through carefully placed injection points in the tree, allowing the tree to distribute the product internally.
What is tree injection?
Does tree injection really work against bark beetles?
When the correct product, application method, timing, and tree are appropriate, tree injection can be an effective tool for protecting susceptible trees from certain bark beetles. Injection is generally used as a preventative treatment or as part of an integrated pest-management program, rather than as a guarantee that a tree already heavily infested will survive.
Is tree injection only for trees that already have beetles?
No. One of the biggest misconceptions is that you have to wait until you see beetle activity. Preventative treatment can be an important part of protecting healthy, high-value trees before beetles successfully attack them. Once a tree is heavily infested, treatment options and expected outcomes can be very different.
Does drilling into a tree hurt the tree?
Tree injection does involve creating small injection sites, so the process should be performed carefully, with small, sharp drill bits strategically drilled in the base of the tree. Proper site selection, equipment, technique, and treatment frequency are important considerations when minimizing unnecessary injury to the tree.
Tree injection provides a highly targeted application because the treatment is placed directly into the tree rather than broadcast over a large surrounding area. This will reduce off-target exposure and uses less pesticide than some conventional application methods. The overall environmental impact depends on the specific product, dose, application method, and site conditions.
Is tree injection safer for the environment than spraying?
Does a tree need to show signs of beetles before it can be treated?
No. Waiting for obvious signs of infestation can mean waiting until the tree is already under significant stress. Preventative tree injection is intended to establish protection before a susceptible tree is successfully attacked, which is particularly important for valuable trees in areas where bark beetle pressure is a concern.
How long does a tree injection application effectively protect the tree from beetle attacks?
Once injected, it takes 4-6 weeks for the tree to uptake the pesticide for full coverage of the tree. The injection could effectively protect the tree for up to 3 years. We recommend treatment for you high value trees every 2 years for peace of mind and optimal protection.
Should I not be concerned since the last bark beetle infestation didn’t come to lower altitudes?
No, this wave of beetle infestation is projected to hit lower elevations due to the extreme drought conditions and predicted seasonal warming. Bark beetles have already reached lower elevations locally and have become a major concern for homes in the foothills. Take a look at the site map below for a more accurate understanding of current activity, understanding that these pests can travel up to 50 miles during a strong wind storm.
It depends on the tree, beetle species, timing, and extent of the infestation. Tree injection should not be viewed as a rescue treatment for a tree, rather as a preventative measure to take to protect your high value trees. An evaluation by a qualified professional can help determine whether treatment, removal, or another management approach is appropriate.
Can tree injection save a tree that already has beetles?
What is the biggest myth about protecting trees from pine beetles?
The biggest myth is that you should wait until a tree shows obvious signs of infestation before taking action. By the time visible symptoms appear, the tree may already be significantly compromised. A proactive tree-health strategy—including proper watering, stress reduction, monitoring, and appropriately timed preventative treatments when warranted—can be an important part of protecting your high value trees.
Have additional questions? Give us a call at 720-868-9274 to speak directly with an expert in your area.
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