How We Apply Tree Treatments

Comprehensive Coverage From the Canopy to the Root Zone

Many of our tree treatments are performed as comprehensive broadcast applications. Instead of placing material only around the base of the tree or injecting it through isolated holes in the trunk, our crew treats the canopy, major branches, trunk, root zone, and soils within the designated treatment area. This allows the treatment to reach the entire biological system surrounding the tree.

In simple terms: Our crew begins at the top of the tree and works downward. We mist the foliage, treat the branches and trunk, and then thoroughly saturate the root zone and surrounding soil.

Equipment Designed for Mature Trees

The application is performed using our high-pressure agricultural tree sprayer. This equipment is capable of reaching mature canopies approximately 80 feet tall and applying approximately 15 gallons per minute.



The height and application volume allow our crew to provide thorough coverage across large canopies and extensive treatment areas.

How the Application is Performed

1. Positioning Around the Tree

We normally begin from the windward side of the tree, which is the side facing the incoming wind.


This positioning allows the material to move into the canopy while the tree itself intercepts the treatment and helps reduce unnecessary drift.

2. Misting the Upper Canopy

The crew begins at the top of the canopy and mists the foliage.



Starting at the top allows the application to move downward through the tree as the crew progresses through the remaining treatment areas.

3. Treating the Branches and Trunk

The application continues down the major limbs, larger structural branches, scaffold branches, and trunk.



This provides coverage across the above-ground portions of the tree rather than concentrating the treatment in only one location.

4. Saturating the Root Zone and Soil

Finally, the crew thoroughly saturates the root zone and the soils within the designated treatment area.



The treatment area may extend beyond the immediate base of the tree because the biological system supporting the tree is not limited to the area directly surrounding the trunk.

Biostimulant Treatment of a Shumard Oak

Biostimulant Treatment of a Shumard Oak

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Working With Wind and Surrounding Conditions

The exact application position may change during the service depending on wind direction, nearby structures, surrounding properties, and other site conditions. Our crew evaluates these conditions throughout the application and may reposition the equipment as needed to maintain coverage while reducing unnecessary drift.

Understanding the Number of Treatments

Multiple line items on a proposal do not necessarily represent multiple applications.

A proposal may contain two treatment line items:

  1. Biostimulant Treatment
    -The biostimulant includes humic acid, molasses, and beneficial microbial components.
  2. Prescribed Pest Treatment
    -The pest treatment contains the materials selected for the diagnosed pest and prescribed treatment plan.

Applying the Treatments Together

When a proposal includes a biostimulant and prescribed pest treatment, the materials are combined and applied during the same service visit. The biostimulant solution improves the coverage, adherence, and absorption of the prescribed insecticides. The specific pest-control materials depend on the pest, tree, and treatment recommended by the arborist.

When permethrin and imidacloprid are included in a prescribed treatment, they serve different purposes:

  1. Permethrin
    -Permethrin provides contact activity against exposed susceptible insects reached during the application.
  2. Imidacloprid
    -Imidacloprid is absorbed systemically and provides longer-term suppression of susceptible pests.

Questions About a Recommended Treatment?

If Eric Putnam BCMA, Inc. has recommended a broadcast treatment for your tree, contact our team with any questions about the application process or the materials included in your proposal.

For information about how the biological portion of the treatment works, visit our How the Biostimulant Works page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there separate applications for each line item?

No. When the proposal contains a biostimulant and prescribed pest treatment, the materials are generally combined and applied during the same service visit.

Is molasses a separate treatment?

No. Molasses is one of the components included in the biostimulant treatment.

Why does the crew begin at the top of the tree?

Beginning at the top allows the crew to mist the upper foliage before continuing downward across the branches, trunk, root zone, and surrounding soils.

Why does the crew begin from the windward side?

Beginning on the windward side helps the material move into the canopy, while the tree intercepts the treatment and reduces unnecessary drift.

Is the treatment applied only around the trunk?

No. The application covers the canopy, branches, trunk, root zone, and soils within the designated treatment area.

Does every pest treatment contain permethrin and imidacloprid?

No. The products included depend on the diagnosed pest and prescribed treatment plan. Permethrin and imidacloprid may be included when appropriate for the targeted pest.