At Mountain West Arbor Care, we have seen plenty of cases of tree damage and death due to the misapplication of certain herbicides. Damage from herbicide exposure can be extensive and is often permanent, resulting in the loss of valuable trees. While there is a wide variety of herbicides to choose from, it’s important to note that not all contain the same ingredients. When choosing a herbicide, you must consider the weed being treated, the area of application, and your surrounding trees and plants.
Below are some preventative tree care tips to help prevent herbicide injury:
Read the Label Thoroughly
When it comes to preventative tree care, it is imperative to read the entire label of a product. Study the directions and take heed of any warnings. Keep an eye out for words like “extended control” or “kills weeds for up to one year.” Long-lasting herbicides can be especially dangerous to your trees. Pesticide labels should always be read and followed precisely to determine if any special precautions should be taken.
Use the Right Herbicide
A good way to avoid any potential tree care damage is to rely less on phenoxy herbicides. There are other classes of herbicides that have less potential to affect the roots of nearby trees. It’s important to take the time to identify your weeds and choose a selective herbicide. Combination products that contain multiple chemicals usually contain chemicals in the phenoxy class.
Apply Herbicides Properly
Misapplication of a treated area can significantly damage your trees. Herbicides can either drift onto foliage or be absorbed by the roots. Avoid spraying herbicides when the weather is windy. Sprays with a fine mist are also likely to drift. Herbicide runoff and leaching of the soil can also be prevented by avoiding the root zone of trees. Additionally, it’s extremely important to never exceed the maximum application rate listed on the label.
Hire a Tree Care Professional
At Mountain West Arbor Care, we help homeowners in Sandy, Utah make educated decisions to avoid costly mistakes. We care about the health and beauty of your trees. Our ISA Certified Arborists will walk your property, and listen to your concerns. We are more happy to answer any questions you may have and can provide you with a variety of tree care recommendations. Contact us at 1-800-767-8733.
