When Tree Health Hangs in the Balance: Choosing Between Systemic and Contact Spray Methods for Maximum Protection
When it comes to protecting your valuable trees from pests and diseases, understanding the difference between systemic and contact spray methods can mean the difference between thriving, healthy trees and costly tree removal. Each approach offers distinct advantages depending on the specific problem you’re facing, making the right choice crucial for effective tree care.
Understanding Contact Spraying: Direct Action for Immediate Results
Contact insecticides work exactly as they’re named – they kill on contact. Contact insecticides work by covering the insect and smothering it, providing immediate relief when pests are actively present on your trees.
Contact spraying is particularly effective for surface-level problems. Contact fungicides are pesticides used to prevent crop contamination and combat species of fungi that act superficially. Certain aphids, mites, and scale insects, among others, can be well-managed with foliar applications.
However, contact treatments have limitations. Contact insecticides only work to control pests if you can cover every branch where they are present, particularly the underside of the branches, and must be done once or even twice a year. This method requires precise application and regular reapplication to maintain effectiveness.
Systemic Spraying: Long-Term Protection from Within
Systemic treatments take a fundamentally different approach. A systemic insecticide is typically used to treat for insects on a long term basis. The systemic is absorbed into the plant then when the insect feeds on the plant the insecticide is ingested which kills the insect pest.
While contact fungicides are deposited and remain on the outside of plant tissues, systemic fungicides act deeper, infiltrating leaves, stems and seeds and fighting fungi that are already attacking the inside of a plant. This internal protection offers several key advantages.
Systemic insecticides will also move throughout the plant tissue which protects new plant growth, making them particularly valuable for actively growing trees. A systemic treatment with a product containing imidacloprid can last 5-7 years with one simple application, providing exceptional long-term value.
Application Methods: Choosing the Right Delivery System
Modern tree care offers multiple systemic application methods beyond traditional spraying. For trees, we most often think of systemic treatments as those applied to the roots. This is usually performed by applying a product within a foot of the trunk where the fibrous roots absorb it and move it up the vascular system to the canopy.
Within the last few years, a third option — systemic bark spray applications – has been gaining popularity with arborists. Certain circumstances warrant a systemic bark spray, which is exactly what it sounds like—a product applied directly to the bark of the tree. Most products are typically applied about chest height and then the tree takes it in and uses it as needed.
Soil-applied products take about two weeks to become effective, while bole sprayed and trunk injected products protect the tree more quickly, giving property owners flexibility in timing their treatments.
When to Choose Each Method
The choice between systemic and contact methods depends on several factors. Systemic treatments have many advantages over other modes of action. Chemicals that are known as “contact treatments” are quite effective, but require the pest to be present at the time of treatment.
Contact spraying works best for:
- Immediate pest problems that are visible on tree surfaces
- Preventive treatments during specific pest emergence periods
- Surface fungal infections
- Situations where quick knockdown is needed
Systemic treatments excel when:
- Long-term protection is desired
- Pests are difficult to reach with surface spraying
- Internal tree problems need addressing
- Reducing spray frequency is a priority
Professional Expertise Makes the Difference
Choosing the right treatment method requires professional expertise. The choice between a systemic and a contact fungicide is not exactly made by the farmer. To define which kind of product will be applied, it is essential to clearly understand the characteristics of the culture, climate, terrain and, of course, the fungi that will be targeted.
For Long Island property owners, working with an experienced tree spraying service ensures the right method is selected for each unique situation. As a licensed arborist, Jones is committed to offering scientifically based landscape management and delivering quality services. Jones Tree and Plant Care will inspect your landscape, diagnose any problems, and make recommendations based on knowledge and expertise gained through over 10 years of experience in the industry.
Jones Tree and Plant Care tailor specific programs based on the needs of each individual customer and property. A total tree and plant care approach will improve growth, condition, and curb appeal of your property, all while using environmentally sensitive, affordable treatments.
Environmental Considerations and Safety
In some cases, a systemic pesticide is safer for the environment than a non-systemic pesticide would be. For example, systemic insecticides used for tree pest control, including the emerald ash borer, are injected into the trunk or applied to the soil for uptake by the tree’s roots. Less of the chemical ends up drifting onto other plants or contacting non-target insects than if non-systemic chemicals were sprayed.
Professional tree care companies prioritize environmental responsibility. Jones Tree and Plant Care offers organic programs that promote outstanding land stewardship based on the ecological principles of nutrient cycling, biotic regulation of pests, and biodiversity. Our organic programs advocate safe, healthy property management using organic and the least toxic practices and products.
Understanding the differences between systemic and contact tree spraying methods empowers property owners to make informed decisions about their tree care. Whether you’re dealing with an immediate pest outbreak or planning long-term tree health maintenance, the right spraying method applied by qualified professionals ensures your trees remain healthy, beautiful, and valuable assets to your property for years to come.