



My
goal in treating your hemlocks is to help you save as many of them as possible
for the lowest possible cost.
Key Benefits
-
The most effective treatment products
-
The most appropriate application methods
-
The right balance of immediate and
long-lasting results
-
Affordable pricing
Because of the proven reliability of certain systemic
chemicals, they are usually my treatments of choice.
They have been thoroughly tested and, when used according to label instructions, are safe to handle, present
no danger to pets or people on your property, and pose no significant risk
to the environment.
-
For lightly to moderately infested trees, I use a liquid
Imidacloprid product such as AmTide 2F or Dominion 2L.
-
For heavily infested trees, I use a product containing the
active ingredient Dinotefuran, sold as Safari 20 SG.
-
In both cases, I mix the product with the correct amount of water to
yield exactly the required concentration of active ingredient per ounce of
solution. Then I apply the needed amount of solution based on the
tree's size (diameter of tree trunk at breast height); larger trees require
more treatment material per inch of diameter than smaller ones.
I use any of the methods listed below to apply treatment,
making the choice according to the tree's condition, size, location, and other
factors. The one method I never use is stem injection because of the
potential for harm to the tree and the excessive cost.
-
Soil injection using a Kioritz soil injector
-
Soil drench if needed
-
Foliar spray using a tank sprayer (mostly for hedges)
-
Basal bark spray using a back-pack or hand-pump sprayer
Typical Treatment Sequence

1. Mixing the chemicals
according to label
instructions
|

2. Measuring the tree
to
calculate diameter
at
breast height (dbh)
|

3. Filling the injector,
being careful not to spill
|
|
|
|

4. Making the correct
number
of soil injections
around
the base of the tree
|

5. Or applying the chemical
as a soil drench if appropriate
|

6. Marking the tree
to show it was treated
|
- Trees treated with Imidacloprid typically show results within 6 to 12
months (depending on their size) and have a residual protection period from
5 to 7 years.
- Safari 20 SG usually gains control over an infestation within 3 to
8 weeks and provides residual protection from 1 to 2 years.
- The treatments are 99+% effective. Success can be judged by the
following signs:
- Disappearance of the old egg sacs over a period of months as the
weather beats them up
- No new bright white egg sacs (or very few on large trees) the
following spring
- New bright green tip growth
- Better foliage color and density
- Overall improved health of the tree
Early detection and treatment are SO important
for preserving the health of your hemlocks
and minimizing the cost of treatment.
|
The cost is based on the number and size (diameter) of the trees, level of
infestation, difficulty of the terrain, and the chemical used. I evaluate
each situation on an individual basis, use my "good neighbor" rates, and do not
add any charge for travel.
As a general rule, one injection is required for each inch of trunk diameter
at breast height. Here are some examples of figuring an estimated cost.
- Light to Moderate Infestations: The price ranges from $0.60 to $1.80
per diameter inch. A Hemlock of 12" diameter would
generally cost between $11 and $12 to treat. A Hemlock 24" in diameter
would generally cost between $43 and $44 to treat.
- Heavy Infestations: These trees require a more aggressive
treatment using a different chemical or combination of chemicals. The
price per inch of trunk diameter ranges from $1.60 to $4.00. A Hemlock
of 12" in diameter would generally cost between $19 and $20 to treat.
A Hemlock 24" in diameter would generally cost between $76 and $77 to
treat.
Additional Services
- In order to improve the health and viability of treated Hemlocks,
it is recommended to thin or cut out undesirable understory Hemlocks that
compete for resources and attract the Woolly Adelgid. I can advise you
on this.
- If you'd like to plant additional Hemlocks to enhance the
aesthetics of your landscape and increase the value of your property, I can
supply you with healthy Hemlock saplings grown on our own property or nearby
and provide easy-to-follow planting and care instructions.

Send e-mail to
markshearer@windstream.net with
questions or comments.
Copyright © 2009-2020
The Hemlock Doctor Last modified:
04/15/20.