As the pillars of your landscape, trees are not immune to disease and insects. Although many trees are able to self-heal, much like your own immune system fights colds and infections, sometimes an infestation of insects or a disease will threaten the tree’s health and beauty. Some pests are incredibly persistent. Fortunately, new developments in the horticulture industry give homeowners many useful options for treating sick trees.
What Are Systemic Insecticides?
Systemic insecticides are alternative treatment methods in which the pesticide is distributed through the plant, the leaves, roots, and fruits or flowers. There are two main methods to introduce the pesticide into the tree. A trunk injection delivers insecticide just as the name suggests, directly into the trunk. The second method, soil injection, delivers the insecticide through the soil to be absorbed by the roots.
What Are the Benefits of Systemic Insecticides?
Systemic pesticides attack pests through the sap. Scales are very difficult to exterminate because of their hard, scaly protective shell. These pests feed on sap, which means that they can’t hide from the pesticide. Fungus can be targeted more effectively with a systemic pesticide because the pesticide is distributed throughout the tree’s tissue to kill or suppress the fungus and to prevent re-infestation.
Systemic pesticides are less likely to come into contact with birds, pets, or humans than other types of pesticides. Systemic pesticides have a minimal impact on the environment. Because the pesticide directly targets the pest, the solution does not need to be applied as frequently as other pesticides. The rain won’t wash the pesticide off, which is another benefit of this application method.
Treating a diseased or infested tree is a serious business. Trees add a lot of value to your home or business. A systemic pesticide can also be used as a preventative measure, to prevent insects from causing significant damage to your trees. Because you can target a particular pest with a systemic pesticide, you may be able to use less of the pesticide. You don’t have to worry about harming other plants in your garden when you use a systemic pesticide.
Although systemic insecticides have their benefits, not every insect and disease can be treated with these insecticides. It’s important to identify what is wrong with your tree before using a pesticide or insecticide. Saving a tree by treating it correctly can protect your landscape. Contact Hildebrandt Tree Tech for tree care, diagnosis, and treatment in Lubbock.
