Treatment

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

Treatment Products

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 per inch of diameter than smaller ones.

Application Methods

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	7. Setting up the pump at a nearby stream/pond	8. Watering the tree to encourage proper uptake, as necessary

Results

• 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
   

Estimating the Cost

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 tree diameter at breast height.  Here are some examples of figuring an estimated cost.

• Light to Moderate Infestations:  The price per injection ranges from $1.00 to $2.50.  A Hemlock of 12" diameter would generally cost between $12 and $18 to treat.  Hemlocks 20" or more in diameter require a double dose, so the cost is also double.
   
• Heavy Infestations:  These trees require a more aggressive treatment using a different chemical or combination of chemicals.  The price per injection ranges from $3.00 to $6.00.  A Hemlock of 12" in diameter would cost between $36 and $72 to treat.  Hemlocks 18" or more in diameter require a higher dosage, and the cost increases proportionately.
   

Additional Services

•  In order to improve the health and viability of treated Hemlocks, it is advisable to thin or cut out undesirable understory Hemlocks that compete for resources and attract the Woolly Adelgid.  I can help you with 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 and, if you wish, arrange to have them planted.

Send e-mail to markshearer@windstream.net with questions or comments.
Copyright © 2009 The Hemlock Doctor                Last modified: 07/07/13.