Roger: 0:02

Talking Trees with Lillian Jad. Welcome to Talking Trees. Today we explore an article summarizing the progress, prospects and challenges of vegetative endotherapy the direct injection of substances into the vascular system of trees. The review covers a classification of injection methods and 18 years of applications. The review covers a classification of injection methods and 18 years of applications, evaluating various tree species, products, including insecticides, fungicides and antibiotics, and injection technologies. It also discusses best practices in precision agriculture and suggests improvements such as less invasive techniques and natural formulations for more nature-friendly plant protection solutions.

Jad: 0:50

Welcome back everyone. Today we're diving into a technique I know you're all familiar with as arborists tree injection.

Lilly: 0:56

Yeah, definitely a bread and butter technique.

Jad: 0:59

But we're going to go deeper than just the basics. All right, we're going to explore how it's evolved Deeper than just the basics. All right, we're going to explore how it's evolved, why it's advantageous and the key factors that make it successful when you're out there in the field.

Lilly: 1:10

Sounds good.

Jad: 1:11

And we'll even uncover a fascinating connection to Leonardo da Vinci. Believe it or not, I'm intrigued. Plus, we've got to tackle that ongoing debate Pressurized versus non-pressurized systems and we'll delve into the world of bio-based solutions. Those are becoming increasingly popular these days.

Lilly: 1:29

Yeah, they are. It's interesting how tree injection seems like a modern technique but it actually has roots going way back.

Jad: 1:35

Oh absolutely.

Lilly: 1:36

Da Vinci himself, back in the Renaissance, experimented with it.

Jad: 1:39

What was he injecting? I mean, was it like fertilizer or something Not quite.

Lilly: 1:42

He was injecting arsenic into apple trees. He wanted to see if he could contaminate the fruit.

Jad: 1:47

Wow, that's not exactly what we'd recommend today.

Lilly: 1:50

Definitely not.

Jad: 1:51

Bit of a dark history there.

Lilly: 1:53

Yeah.

Jad: 1:53

For a technique that's meant to help trees, but it does show that this whole idea of accessing a tree's vascular sister directly has been around for a while.

Lilly: 2:03

It really has. That's the essence of endotherapy. Right yeah, You're bypassing the need for spraying or soil drenching and delivering the substances directly to where they're needed, like a direct line Exactly, and the science behind it all the cohesion tension, adhesion theory explains how sap moves upwards in a tree, carrying those injected substances with it.

Jad: 2:24

So it utilizes the tree's natural processes.

Lilly: 2:27

Exactly, and this method is particularly effective for perennial crops, like well, the trees and palms you guys work with every single day.

Jad: 2:34

Makes sense. So it's a very targeted approach, almost like giving a tree an IV, and that probably contributes to why it tends to have such long-lasting effects.

Lilly: 2:41

Precisely. But I'm guessing there's more to it than just drilling a hole and injecting something. Oh, you're absolutely right. There are various methods out there and to understand them better, we can actually classify them based on four main factors First, how that entry point is created. Second, how the equipment actually connects to the tree. Then, the actual method of injecting the substance. And finally, the volume being injected.

Jad: 3:04

Okay, let's break those down one by one. Let's start with the entry point. What are the options there?

Lilly: 3:08

Sure, so the most common method is using a drill.

Jad: 3:11

Okay, makes sense.

Lilly: 3:12

In fact, about 77% of the current research that's out there relies on drill-based systems.

Jad: 3:17

Wow, that's a large majority.

Lilly: 3:19

It is, but there's also a move towards less invasive techniques, using blades for example. That accounts for about 21 percent of the research.

Jad: 3:27

So less trauma for the tree. I like it.

Lilly: 3:28

Exactly Minimizing that disruption to the vascular tissue.

Jad: 3:32

That makes sense. Ok, so we've got the entry point. Now what about connecting the equipment? You mentioned something called interface methods.

Lilly: 3:39

Right, right. So that's basically the bridge between your equipment and the tree's vascular system, and plugs are often a key part of that. They act as a pathway for the injected substance.

Jad: 3:48

Interesting.

Lilly: 3:49

There are biodegradable options, things made from cornstarch, for instance and then you have the permanent plugs. But you know what's surprising? What's that A huge chunk of the research around 67% doesn't even specify what interface method they used.

Jad: 4:03

Wow, that's a lot. You'd think that would be important information to include. It seems like there might be some room for improvement there in terms of how the research is being documented.

Lilly: 4:12

Yeah, I agree, but let's move on to the injection methods themselves. This is where a lot of debate comes in, you know.

Jad: 4:18

Ah yes, the age-old debate Pressurized versus non-pressurized. Exactly so, with pressurized versus non-pressurized.

Lilly: 4:22

Exactly so. With pressurized techniques, you're using external pressure to force the substance in, which means faster absorption. Got it, but there's a risk of damage if the pressure is too high. Things like embolism, where air bubbles block the sap flow, or even bark cracking.

Jad: 4:38

So it's a bit of a tradeoff then Speed versus potential damage.

Lilly: 4:41

Exactly.

Jad: 4:43

So what about those non-pressurized methods? Are they a gentler approach?

Lilly: 4:47

They are. They rely on the tree's natural absorption process, which takes a bit longer, but it avoids those potential pressure-related issues we just talked about. It really depends on the situation and the specific tree you're dealing with.

Jad: 5:00

I imagine each has its pros and cons.

Lilly: 5:02

Right.

Jad: 5:03

Okay, and finally, you mentioned injection volume. How does that factor in?

Lilly: 5:07

So you're essentially choosing between macro infusion, which uses larger volumes think over 15 milliliters.

Roger: 5:14

Okay.

Lilly: 5:15

And micro infusion where the volume is under 15 milliliters. Both have their place, depending on the treatment goals.

Jad: 5:21

So it's not a one size fits all kind of thing.

Lilly: 5:22

Nope, and you also have to consider the tree itself when choosing the right approach.

Jad: 5:28

You mean like different species might react differently to injections?

Lilly: 5:32

Exactly, You've got to factor in things like whether it's a hardwood or a softwood, how those vessels are distributed within the tree, even seasonal changes like leaf fall or flowering. Understanding those nuances is crucial for success.

Jad: 5:45

That makes a lot of sense. So we've got the method itself and the tree's individual needs, but what about the product that's being injected? What are some of the most common substances used?

Lilly: 5:55

Historically, it's been insecticides, fungicides, even antibiotics.

Jad: 5:59

Right.

Lilly: 5:59

You're probably familiar with names like imidacloprid, amimectin, benzoate, abamectin.

Jad: 6:07

Yeah, those definitely ring a bell, but I'm also seeing more and more research on bio-based solutions, things like essential oils or plant extracts. Are those becoming a viable option for tree injection?

Lilly: 6:20

Absolutely. There's a lot of interest in those sustainable options Essential oils, neem oil, garlic oil. Researchers are really digging into how effective these natural substances can be.

Jad: 6:30

It seems like a promising area.

Lilly: 6:32

It is. And what's interesting is that these bio-based solutions they may not just target the issue directly, but could actually trigger the tree's natural defenses.

Jad: 6:39

You mean like boosting its immune response?

Lilly: 6:41

Exactly.

Jad: 6:41

That's fascinating, but even with these natural products wouldn't dosage be difficult to determine?

Lilly: 6:46

You know that's a huge challenge in the field. There aren't standardized recommendations for a lot of these products and tree species. Some researchers use the tree's diameter at breast height, its DBH, to try and calculate the dosage, but we definitely need more research in this area to refine these methods.

Jad: 7:04

It sounds like it's still a bit of an art combined with the science.

Lilly: 7:07

It is.

Jad: 7:08

And of course, you always have to be mindful of the long-term impact these treatments can have on a tree. You don't want to do more harm than good.

Lilly: 7:16

Right. Repeated injections, especially if they're at high concentrations, could potentially cause tissue damage over time.

Jad: 7:22

It's all about finding that balance that balance between being effective and also protecting the tree's long-term health right so we've talked about all these different methods and products, but how do we know they're actually working? How do you go about measuring the effectiveness of a tree injection treatment?

Lilly: 7:39

Well, there are a few ways. Field trials are key. Researchers will actually go out into the field and monitor things like defoliation levels, the overall health of the crown, even insect mortality rates. They're basically looking at how that tree responds to the treatment over time.

Jad: 7:54

So it's a lot of hands-on observation, actually being out there in the field and collecting data.

Lilly: 7:58

Absolutely. But then you also have residue analysis.

Jad: 8:01

Okay, what is that?

Lilly: 8:02

So that involves using some pretty sophisticated techniques to detect and measure the actual injected substances within the tree's tissues. You need to know if those substances are reaching the target areas and at what concentrations.

Jad: 8:16

That makes sense. So you're looking at it from a chemical perspective as well, not just observing the outward appearance of the tree.

Lilly: 8:22

Yeah, it all plays a part and, of course, every tree is unique, which adds another layer of complexity. There are so many variables that can influence the outcome of a treatment, from the tree's age and overall health to environmental factors like the weather and soil conditions.

Jad: 8:36

So it's not just about the treatment itself, it's about understanding the whole picture, the whole ecosystem.

Lilly: 8:41

Exactly.

Jad: 8:42

And I'm sure, as with any field, it's not just about the treatment itself. It's about understanding the whole picture, the whole ecosystem, and I'm sure, as with any field, there are always areas for improvement. When it comes to tree injection, what are some things that you think could be refined or improved upon in the future?

Lilly: 8:53

Well, I think minimizing the impact on the tree is a big one. Even with a small drill bit. You're still creating a wound when you drill into a tree, so finding less invasive techniques is essential, especially for palms, which have a more distributed vascular system. So, it's all about reducing the trauma to the tree Makes sense, and we talked earlier about the potential for damage with those pressurized systems. I think that's another area where refinement is needed. It's about finding that sweet spot where you get good absorption without causing any harm.

Jad: 9:23

Right, it's about that balance again. And what about those non-crush rise systems that rely on those external devices, the pipes and catheters? It seems like those could be vulnerable to damage.

Lilly: 9:32

You're right, they can be. Those external components can get damaged, even vandalized, creating a potential entry point for infection. So the security and durability of that equipment are important considerations. And then, once the treatment is done, you have to think about wound healing. Are there better sealants out there that we could be using or ways to stimulate the tree's natural healing process? And of course, there's always that push for more sustainable and effective products. This research into bio-based solutions is really exciting, and I think standardization is another big area for improvement.

Jad: 10:07

Oh right, you mentioned that earlier.

Lilly: 10:08

We need clearer guidelines, protocols for things like dosage, product selection, even the injection techniques themselves.

Jad: 10:15

Having that kind of consistency would benefit everyone, right it?

Lilly: 10:18

would. It would help ensure responsible application across the board.

Jad: 10:22

It would also make it easier to share knowledge and best practices, wouldn't it?

Lilly: 10:25

Absolutely.

Jad: 10:26

Well, I think this has given us a great foundation to now delve into the future of tree injection, which is what we'll do right after this. So we've covered a lot of ground with the history and current tech leaks of tree injection, but what about the future? Where do you see this field heading in the coming years?

Lilly: 10:42

Oh, there are some really exciting advancements on the horizon. One area we already touched on a bit is those bio-based solutions. I think the potential there is huge and research is constantly uncovering new and promising natural substances that could really change the way we approach tree care.

Jad: 11:00

So we could be seeing things like essential oils or plant extracts becoming more mainstream in the future.

Lilly: 11:05

Absolutely, and even looking beyond that. We're starting to explore the use of beneficial fungi and bacteria.

Jad: 11:11

Wow, it's like giving trees their own probiotics.

Lilly: 11:13

Exactly. It's all about harnessing nature's own power to protect and heal trees.

Jad: 11:18

That's fascinating. What other advancements are you particularly excited about?

Lilly: 11:22

Nanotechnology. I think nanotechnology has the potential to be a real game changer in this field. Well, imagine using tiny nanoparticles to deliver treatments. With incredible precision. We could be targeting specific cells within the tree, minimizing any off-target effects.

Jad: 11:39

Wow, that's getting into some serious high-tech territory.

Lilly: 11:42

It is, and it could lead to much more effective treatments with fewer side effects. And, of course, there's that push for greater standardization in tree injection practices, which you mentioned earlier, and that means more research, more data collection, more sharing of knowledge between researchers, arborists, product developers, policymakers. It's about bringing everyone together to elevate the practice of tree injection as a whole.

Jad: 12:05

Collaboration is key, like in so many fields.

Lilly: 12:07

Absolutely, and as arborists, you all are on the front lines. You have that practical experience and knowledge that is essential for advancing these techniques and making sure they are used responsibly.

Jad: 12:18

So we need to be more than just technicians. We need to be actively involved in shaping the future of tree care.

Lilly: 12:25

Exactly. Staying informed about new developments, asking those tough questions, sharing your observations all of that contributes to making tree injection a more effective and sustainable practice, and I think that brings us to an important question. And I think that brings us to an important question what should you, as arborists, be thinking about when deciding if tree injection is the right approach for a particular situation? What factors should you be weighing?

Jad: 12:51

That's a great point. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of new technology, but we need to make sure we're using it appropriately. So when is tree injection a good option? When does it really shine as a technique?

Lilly: 13:03

Well, first and foremost, you always have to remember that tree injection is a tool and, like any tool, it has its specific uses and its limitations. It's not a magic bullet for every tree problem.

Jad: 13:13

So it's not a replacement for good overall tree care practices.

Lilly: 13:16

Exactly. You always want to start with a holistic approach. You know, assessing the tree's overall health, considering its environment, really identifying that root cause of the problem. Tree injection can be a valuable part of your toolkit, but it shouldn't be the first thing you reach for in every situation I see so when is it a good option or disease? It allows you to deliver those treatments directly to the tree's vascular system where they can be most effective.

Jad: 13:46

And we talked earlier about how it minimizes environmental impact compared to something like spraying, which is a big plus.

Lilly: 13:53

It is, and because those injected substances are translocated throughout the tree, you get that longer lasting effect compared to some other methods.

Jad: 14:00

So fewer applications, less disruption and potentially lower costs in the long run. Exactly what about the types of trees? Are some species better suited to injection than others?

Lilly: 14:10

That's where your expertise as arborists really comes into play. You understand the specific needs and vulnerabilities of different species. Things like the structure of the bark, the rate of sap flow, the overall health of the tree these are all factors that need to be considered when deciding if injection is a suitable approach.

Jad: 14:28

And we talked earlier about minimizing damage to the tree during the injection process. Are there any specific considerations when it comes to choosing an injection site?

Lilly: 14:37

Always choose a healthy section of the trunk. Avoid areas that show any obvious damage or decay, and remember that those injection wounds, even small ones, can create stress points for the tree. So you want to space them out properly. Avoid over-injecting a tree.

Jad: 14:52

So it's about striking that balance again between providing the necessary treatment and respecting the tree's ability to recover.

Lilly: 14:59

Exactly. And remember you're not just treating a single tree, you're working within a larger ecosystem, so you always want to consider the potential impact your actions might have on other organisms, whether that's beneficial insects or birds or other wildlife.

Jad: 15:13

It's all about that integrated approach to tree care that we've been discussing Now. You mentioned earlier that there's still a lack of standardized guidelines in the field, but are there any resources that arborists can turn to for more information about best practices places where they can get more in-depth knowledge?

Lilly: 15:28

There are definitely some excellent resources out there Professional organizations like the International Society of Arboriculture, the ISA, or the Tree Care Industry Association, TCIA. They both offer a lot of valuable information on tree injection techniques and the latest research. And, of course, you can always find research articles in scientific journals, things like Arboriculture and Urban Forestry or Journal of Arboriculture.

Jad: 15:54

So it's about staying up to date on the latest research, those new advancements.

Lilly: 15:58

Exactly, and I think it's also important to connect with other arborists and researchers, share your experiences, your observations. There's a lot we can learn from each other.

Jad: 16:07

It's that collaborative spirit that really drives innovation. Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today.

Lilly: 16:12

My pleasure.

Jad: 16:13

And for all of you listening out there, remember those trees are counting on us to be informed, to be responsible and to keep learning and evolving. Thanks for tuning in everyone.

Roger: 16:26

Thank you for joining us. In today's session. We reviewed the advancements and challenges in vegetative endotherapy, covering 18 years of data on injection methods, products and applications across various tree species. We also examine the potential for less invasive techniques and natural formulations to enhance precision agriculture practices in plant protection. We look forward to continuing this discussion in our next session. You.