Trunk Injections | How They Help MI Trees

For many Michigan homeowners, trees are an essential part of their home’s landscape. They have several benefits, some of which are providing shade, serving as a habitat for local wildlife and improving our air quality. Sometimes, we forget that trees are living things, and like us, they are susceptible to disease. Luckily, there’s a tried and true method that humans have been working on for the last 900 years…

A Brief History of Trunk Injections

Trunk injections have been used around since the 12th century, with early uses being to enhance or alter a plant’s color, smell and taste. Historical records show that trunk injections were being conducted as early as the 18th century to prevent the spread of insect infestation. Like our ancestors, we’re still combating pests and the effects they have on our trees. 

In fact, we’ve figured out how to use tree injection to not only get rid of pests but to treat diseases and provide trees with nutrients. So, what exactly are tree injections and how does the process work? 

How Trunk Injections Are Done

Trunk injections work by targeting a specific area of a tree through injection. Trunk injections are used to treat fungal infections, get rid of pests and improve overall health. Typically, these solutions are made of pesticides, fungicides or nutrients.

Lawn care technicians use a direct-inject system, which does not require drilling and prevents wounding from occurring, protecting the tree’s health and vitality. Chemicals are injected directly into the cambial zone, lying between the wood and the bark.

This method is preferred as it is easy, fast, effective and tree friendly. Because injections are efficient, less labor and chemicals are used during the process, reducing overall costs. 

Trunk Injections and Their Use in Michigan

In addition to providing nutrients, trunk injections are used primarily to combat common pests and fungal infections found in Michigan, like the Emerald Ash Borers and Dutch Elm Disease. 

Emerald Ash Borers are a type of beetle that lay their eggs in ash trees. The larvae hatch from these eggs and feed off the ash tree, damaging and eventually killing the tree over time. Pesticides are usually injected during the early stages of infestation or may be used as a preventive measure to stop infestations before they start. 

Dutch Elm Disease is another type of common problem plaguing Michigan trees. As the name suggests, it is a disease that affects elms. The disease is caused by two types of fungi, which are spread via elm bark beetles or through roof grafts (underground root connections between trees.)

The leaves of infected trees turn yellow, then brown and eventually wilt while the bark is left with black and brown streaking. If left untreated, the tree will die. Fortunately, a fungicide can be used as a preventative measure, protecting elm trees from potential infection. However, the treatment cannot cure a tree that has already been infected by the fungus.

Trunk Injections Should Be Done by Professionals

If you suspect that your tree is suffering from an illness, or needs preventive care, you shouldn't try to inject your own trees. Lawn care technicians are trained to handle pesticides and fungicides, which can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions if exposed to the skin.

Technicians are also trained to inject trees with the right equipment, dosage and in the correct location. If the injections are done wrong, you can make your tree sicker than it was before. Plus, a lawn care professional will be able to quickly (and correctly) diagnose the problem, saving you time and money in the long run. 

Need a Lawn Care Expert? We’re Here To Help!

Looking for lawn care experts? Visionary Fertilization is here to help. Based in Shelby Township, we proudly serve Macomb County and the surrounding areas. Our lawn care experts are trained to perform tree injections and other lawn-care related services. 

If you’re looking for professionals who can access your tree’s needs while providing top-quality service, give us a call at 586-701-6873 to learn more. If you would like more about our other services, including lawn care, outdoor pest control or seeding and aeration, click the link here.