Free to Treat

Some contractors choose microinjection to treat trees because in certain situations it can pose fewer constraints than spraying.

For instance, clients aren’t as restrictive about where and when microinjection treatments can be made. “Businesses like hotels don’t want you spraying when guests are out at the pool,” says Jim Haas, president of Lincoln Tree Service, Lincoln, Neb. “But you can inject without creating a disturbance.”

It’s a similar story at residential accounts. Wayne White, owner of Emerald Tree Care, White Lake, Mich., says he encounters many backyards that are littered with children’s toys. If he were spraying, he’d spend extra time either picking up the toys or rescheduling the visit. That’s not the case with microinjection.

“Plus, when you spray mother nature is going to dictate what you do,” White adds. Generally, applicators don’t spray in the rain or when wind speeds reach 25 mph. “You never know when the wind is going to shut you down.” Injection treatments, however, can be administered wind, rain or shine.