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Tree Care -Insect Treatments (Aphids, Spider mites, Ash Sawfly & More)
Many aphids, spider mites, sawflies and other insects can attack and devastate a tree very quickly if left untreated. Even though these insects rarely kill a tree they can cause severe stress and can reduce the trees ability to fight stressful conditions like drought and heat. A tree that suffers from insect pressure will grow much slower than a healthy tree and can reduce the growth rate by as much as 70%. It is rare, but trees that are left untreated over several years can be killed by insect pressure.
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If you look closely you can see a major infestation
on this plant. Aphids can reproduce at the rate of
20 babies per day per aphid.
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This leave is covered in honeydew which is the sticky secretion left behind by the aphids.
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Aphids can reproduce at a rate of 20 babies per day per aphid.
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Aphids can come in many varieties including: black, red, green, and more. This is an example of a green aphid.
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Orthene Root Injection
With the current technology Organo-Lawn feels the safest and most environmentally friendly way to treat insect pressure is by deep root injection. This process allows us to get very high control over many problem insects without spraying any insecticide into the air. After the deep root injection the tree will pick up the product via the root system and push the product up the tree to the outer branches and leaves. When the aphids, mites, or other insects feed on the leaves they ingest the Orthene and die. Unlike aerial spraying root injection does not kill beneficial insects like predatory spider mites, lacewings and ladybeetles because beneficial insects only feed on live insects. Also, root injection is safer for people and neighboring plants because there is no drift from the spray. We can even treat trees on windy days and rainy days using root injection.
If insect pressure is present and we need fast results we use a special product called Orthene which is very fast and will be picked up and pushed to the leaves within 3 days after the application. Orthene is fast acting but short lived and will only persist in the tree for 2-4 weeks. Therefore, a second application after 2-4 weeks may be necessary if a second insect outbreak occurs. If no additional outbreaks occur then no secondary applications will be required.
Orthene is registered under the EPA Reg. NO. 59639-26 and is 75% Acephate and 25% Other Ingredients.
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Orthene Root Injection Pricing*
Discounts: $5.00 off orders over $100.00, $10.00 off over $150.00
and $30.00 off over $300.00
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Tree Trunk Diameter
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Cost Per Tree
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Flowers
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$1.00
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Small Shrubs 6” or Less
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$1.50
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Medium Shrubs 6-18”
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$2.50
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Large Shrubs 18” or Taller
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$3.50
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1"
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$5.00
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2"
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$6.50
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3"
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$8.00
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4"
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$9.50
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5"
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$11.00
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6"
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$12.50
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7"
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$14.00
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8"
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$15.50
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Additional Inches
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(Number of Inches x $1.50) + $3.50
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* Minimum purchase of $45 is required
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Merit Root Injection
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This ash tree is being attacked by the wooly ash aphid. These aphids make the leaves curl and become distorted.
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If preventative insect treatment is necessary we recommend using Merit which works very similarly to Orthene by the fact that it will be picked up by the root system and pushed through the tree into the leaf tissue and it won’t negatively affect beneficial insects. The main difference between Merit and Orthene is with Merit the tree takes 4-6 weeks to push the Merit to the upper and outer branches, however Merit will remain in the tree for 1 year. Merit will give season long control but must be applied at least 4 weeks prior to any insect pressure. Merit is also limited by the fact that it will not control spider mites, however, it will get control on insects that Orthene will not control like Bronze Birch Borer, Juniper Scale, Pine Tip Moth, and other scales like Kermes, Cottony Maple, and Striped Pine Scales.
We typically apply Merit starting in late October through November and again from the middle of February through the middle of April. It is best to treat your trees early because scheduling can be backed up in April.
Merit is registered under the EPA Reg. NO. 432-1318 and is 75% Imidacloprid and 25% Other Ingredients.
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This ash tree is being attacked by the ash sawfly. A group of the Ash Sawfly larve can defoliate an entire ash tree in as little as 24 hours.
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Merit Root Injection Pricing*
Discounts: $5.00 off orders over $100.00, $10.00 off over $150.00
and $30.00 off over $300.00
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Tree Trunk Diameter
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Cost Per Tree
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Flowers
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$1.25
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Small Shrubs 6” or Less
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$3.25
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Medium Shrubs 6-18”
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$6.25
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Large Shrubs 18” or Taller
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$8.25
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1"
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$10.50
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2"
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$15.00
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3"
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$19.50
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4"
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$24.00
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5"
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$28.50
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6"
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$33.00
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7"
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$37.50
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8"
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$42.00
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Additional Inches
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Call for Pricing
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* Minimum purchase of $45 is required
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Patrick measures the Diameter Breast Height of a tree before he applies an application of Merit.
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Patrick applies Merit to a tree in the fall. Merit prevents insect pressure for up to one year.
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Calculating Diameter Breast Height
To reduce waste and to give you an accurate price we require that you measure the diameter breast height (DBH) of the tree prior to our arrival. The easiest method to measure the tree DBH is by taking a ruler or a measuring tape and measure at chest level the diameter (width) of the tree.
The more time consuming but slightly more accurate method is to measure the circumference of the tree by taking the circumference and divide by 3.14 which will give you the diameter. I.e. The tree has a 17” circumference / 3.14 =5.41” DBH. We always round up and this tree would be a 6” DBH tree.
To calculate a multi-stem tree you will measure each trunk of the tree and add them together. I.e. For a multi-stem tree with 3 trunks. Trunk 1 = 10”, Trunk 2 = 7”, and Trunk 3 = 8”. Add together into one tree of 10 + 7 + 8 = 25” tree.
Insects Controlled By Orthene and Merit
This chart is a helpful guideline for what types of trees require preventative maintenance and what species can typically wait until insect pressure is present. This is a guideline and not a rule. We recommend preventative maintenance for any tree species that is very important to a landscape or any tree that has had insect pressure in the past.
Please keep in mind that trees that are actively growing and healthy tend to be less susceptible to insect pressure than slow growing or unhealthy trees. Deep Root Tree Fertilization is a great way to help a tree stay healthy and strong and therefore prevent insect infestations.
» Click here for Tree Insects and Symptoms Chart
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This Organo-Lawn technician is spraying an apple tree for aphids. Ecotrol is 100% organic and kills Mites and Aphids on contact.
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EcoTrol Insect Treatment for Fruit Trees
EcoTrol is a cutting edge product and it is ORMI approved and environmentally safe, but most important, it works. We only use EcoTrol as an insecticide for fruit trees and vegetable gardens that are being attacked by aphids, spidermites, and certain other insects. We recommend the use of EcoTrol on fruit trees instead of Orthene or Merit because they cannot be treated with non-organic insecticides.
The EcoTrol application is an organic application that works well in controlling mites, aphids and other pests. It allows the beneficial insects to come back in the host quickly which helps control the damaging insects. The initial knock down of the mites, aphids and other pests is fast, between 2-5 days, and it is long lasting, up to 2-3 weeks.
EcoTrol works so well because of its concentrated blend of plant essential oils that attack the octopamine neuroreceptors found only in certain invertebrates such as insects and spidermites. Octopamine is a neurotransmitter that regulates movement, heart rate, behavior and metabolism. EcoTrol blocks these neuroreceptors and the result is knockdown and death.
EcoTrol is comprised of Rosemary Oil (10%), Peppermint Oil (2%), Other Ingredients (88%) including Wintergreen Oil, Vanillin, Lecithin, and Butyl Lactate.
EcoTrol’s Environmental Benefits
• Zero restricted entry level — can enter the area as soon as the spray has dried.
• Zero pre-harvest intervals, but always thoroughly wash your food before it is consumed.
• Zero post-harvest intervals, but always thoroughly wash your food before it is consumed.
• OMRI listed and USDA National Organic Program compliant.
• Minimum-risk pesticide.
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EcoTrol Pricing Sheet
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Size / Height
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Price
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Small Garden
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$30.00
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Medium Garden
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$40.00
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Large Garden
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$50.00
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Small Shrub
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$7.00
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5-10 ft
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$21.00
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11-15 ft
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$32.00
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16-20 ft
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$43.00
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21-25 ft
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$55.00
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Minimum Trip Charge of $65.00
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Rory fertilizes a Linden tree in Longmont.
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Deep Root Tree and Shrub Fertilization is one thing that most people neglect in their maintenance programs. In a forest trees usually grow in their natural habitat and nature replenishes the soil with the leaves that fall in autumn and break down into Humic matter. In the city trees are often planted in foreign location where soil, sun, moisture, and climactic conditions are not favorable.
Trees also struggle in cities because of compounded growing space for roots, air pollution, and compacted soil. Due to these stressful conditions the average lifespan of an urban tree that is not properly fertilized is only 10 years. In Colorado many trees such as ashes, oaks, birches and maples are foreign to the region, but are popular urban selections because they provide beautiful fall color. However, over the years the leaf color often fades. In the summer months the leaves that used to be a lustrous dark green are often a pale yellow-green and in the autumn vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows often are dull red-browns, orange-browns, and yellow-browns. This weakening of leaf color is a result of a lack of available iron and magnesium in the soil, thereby causing a potentially deadly but treatable problem called chlorosis.
Important Tree Facts:
- Approximately 75% of urban woody plant problems are an abiotic issue caused by a non-living problem like poor soil, improper watering, people, chemicals, etc.
- The average lifespan of an urban tree that is not regularly fertilized is 10 years.
- 95%+ of trees species planted in Colorado urban spaces are not native species
At Organo-Lawn our organic tree fertilizer is a proprietary blend that we inject into the trees root-zone. The blend is a special mix of the beneficial fungus mycorrhiza, chelated iron, yucca extract, humate, micronutrients and our slow release organic fertilizer we call Rescue MDS. Trees easily uptake nutrients and fertilizers when the ground temperature is between 40-55 degrees F therefore, spring treatments occur from the middle of April through May and Fall treatments begin in early September and continue through early November. Due to our special slow release formulation we are able to fertilize newly transplanted trees and strongly recommend fertilization for trees that are less than 4 years from transplant. Trees that are a “must-do” trees include trees under stressful conditions such as drought, extreme cold, nutrient deprivation, and/or biotic stress such as insect pressure. If you are not sure if your trees could benefit from fertilization please contact our office for more information.
Abiotic Causes
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1. People Pressures
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a. Planting problems (too deep)
b. Soil disturbances (digging or construction)
c. Misuse of mulches, plastic, or landscaping materials
d. Poor plant choices for planting location
e. Air Pollution
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2. Soil Problems
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a. pH too high (very common in Colorado and causes mineral deficiency)
b. Soil compaction
c. Poor drainage
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3. Climate or Weather
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a. Untimely cold or freezes (very often in Colorado)
b. Early or late snow
c. Hail, wind, lightning
d. Sunscald (winter tree wrapping will prevent sunscald)
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4. Mechanical or Physical damage
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a. Trunk injury (trimmer or mower damage)
b. Improper pruning
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5. Water
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a. Drought
b. Excessive watering (causes a lack of oxygen in the soil)
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6. Chemical hazards
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a. Salts and magnesium chloride
b. Improper herbicide use or pesticide use
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A picture of a Silver Maple leaf from a tree that has never received tree fertilization.
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A picture of a Silver Maple tree leaf from the same Boulder lawn except this tree receives annual tree fertilization.
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Why Use Mycorrhiza? Mycorrhiza (literally fungus roots) helps plants survive conditions of stress such as low fertility, drought, temperature extremes, and root pathogens. The fungus, Mycorrhiza, also prevents the plants from absorbing forms of pollution such as heavy metals and acidification of soils. Mycorrhiza promotes an increase in xylem cell number, cell wall thickness, and lumen diameter. Studies prove that trees injected with mycorrhiza, increased photosynthesis and used water more efficiently compared to trees not injected with Mycorrhiza (Khalil & Meexal, 1998, New Mexico State University).
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Control group tree roots, No fertilizer and no Mycorrhiza
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Mycorrhiza treated tree roots
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Fertilizer and Mycorrhiza treated tree roots
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This Oak tree suffers from a severe case of chlorosis identifiable by the bright yellow leaves with dark green veins.
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What is Chlorosis? Many trees, shrubs, and other ornamental plantings suffer from iron and magnesium deficiency induced by poorly drained or compacted soils and by soils with high calcium content that have pH levels above 7.5. The unavailability or non-utilization of iron and magnesium commonly causes a condition called 'chlorosis,' an abiotic disease characterized by yellow leaves, slow growth, and branch dieback. Oak, maple, birch, and ash cultivars frequently show this condition even in low pH soils while other trees will develop chlorosis in higher pH soils. Alkaline conditions where soil pH is above 7.0 prevent the soil’s iron from becoming available for uptake by growing plants. Iron is most soluble and readily absorbed by plants at a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5, which is extremely rare in Colorado soils. Chlorosis is also aggravated by cold soil temperature, high soil moisture, relatively large amounts of copper, manganese or zinc, and/or excessive phosphorus applications.
The lack of available iron in the soil can result in the leaves not producing a normal amount of green pigment called chlorophyll, which is necessary for the normal growth and development of all trees. Chlorosis is usually more common in urban landscapes because residential soils are usually compact, lack organic matter, and water used to irragate the lawn is often a high pH. Many non-native plant species like oaks and red maples are very sensitive to iron chlorosis and are planted without regard to existing soil conditions. The best method in the prevention and the treatment of chlorosis is with our annual tree fertilization applications that contain chelated iron and humate. Humate is a natural chelating agent (convert unavailable nutrients into available nutrients for uptake by the tree).
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Tree/Shrub Fertilization Prices*
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Height
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Cost Per Tree
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Shrubs
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$2.50
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5-10 ft
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$6.50
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11-15 ft
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$10.00
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16-20 ft
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$12.50
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21-25 ft
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$17.50
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26-30 ft
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$21.00
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30-50 ft
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$25.00
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50+
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$39.00
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* $45.00 Minimum Trip Charge
Discounts: $5.00 off orders over $100.00, $10.00 off over $150.00, and $30.00 off over $300.00
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Tree IV – Iron Injection for Severe Chlorosis
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This Maple tree is chlorotic and is being treated using our special Tree IV injection method.
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When a chlorotic tree is not responding to our deep root tree fertilization we have a system that will force iron into the tree and therefore make the tree healthy and green again.
The way the system works is very similar to an IV used in hospitals. First we drill small holes in the tree’s trunk near the base of the tree. These holes do not cause irreparable damage to the tree. We then attach injection plugs into the holes and place the injection needles into the tree’s trunk. Using air pressure we inject the tree with a liquid mix of chelated iron and magnesium. The tree has no choice but to accept the liquid concentrate of iron and magnesium that is injected into the xylem layer of the tree.
Recovery will be proportional to the level of the severity of Chlorosis at the time of treatment. Response to treatment can be very rapid or can be very slow. You can expect to see noticeable greening and improved vitality within the growing season and often within weeks of application on minor chlorotic trees. Slow response and a second application might be necessary on severely chlorotic trees, larger trees or older trees. With older trees we often see results the following year which means the tree will not turn green the year of the application, however, the following year the leaves will bud green and stay green.
At Organo-Lawn we stress the importance of being proactive. This means that it is imperative that we treat the disease, not only the symptoms. This is why after the tree is recovered we recommend the regular applications of deep root tree fertilization to the soil in order to prevent the recurrence of Iron Chlorosis symptoms.
» Read chlorisis treatment article from the Boulder County Business Report
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The Stages of Chlorosis & Recommended Treatments
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Stage of Chlorosis
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Photo
Click images
for larger view
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Description
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Approx. Years Until Death
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Treatment Recommended
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1
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Tree is green but losing color, pale green |
10-15
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Tree Fertilization with Iron (Spring or Fall) |
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2
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Tree is green but losing color, light green with the beginning of veins |
9-10
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Tree Fertilization with Iron (Spring or Fall) |
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3
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Tree is yellowing, on one or two branches the leaves are turning yellow on the ends |
8-9
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Tree Fertilization with Iron (Spring and Fall) |
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4
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The tree is yellowing, one or two branches mostly on the south side |
7-8
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Tree Fertilization with Iron (Spring and Fall) |
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5
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The tree is yellow, 20-40% of the tree is yellow |
6-7
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Tree IV, 99% chance of recovery |
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6
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The tree is yellow, 40-75% of the tree is yellow |
5-6
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Tree IV, 95% chance of recovery |
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7
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Tree is yellow, 75-95% of the tree is yellow |
4-5
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Tree IV, 90% chance of Recovery |
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8
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100% of the tree is yellow and very pale |
3-4
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Tree IV, 80% chance of Recovery |
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9
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100% of the tree is yellow and branches have no leaves on them anymore |
2-3
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Tree IV, 60% chance of Recovery |
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10
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100% of the tree is yellow and/or 50% or more of the branches don’t have leaves |
1-2
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Tree IV, 25% chance of Recovery |
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Tree IV for Iron Chlorosis Prices*
Discounts: 5% off between $200-$300, 10% off between $300-$500,
and 15% off for $500+
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Tree Trunk Breast Height Diameter
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Cost Per Tree
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3" - 7"
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$75.00
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8"
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$85.00
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9"
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$95.00
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10"
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$105.00
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11"
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$115.00
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12"
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$125.00
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13"
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$135.00
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14"
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$145.00
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15"
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$155.00
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16"
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$165.00
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17"
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$175.00
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18"
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$185.00
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19"
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$196.00
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20"
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$212.00
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21"+
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Call for Pricing
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Tree Trunk Breast Height Diameter Must be at Least 3” to Treat the Tree
* $85.00 Minimum Trip Charge
Chlorotic Oak Leaf Before Treatment.
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Chlorotic Oak Leaf After Treatment – Notice the Veins Turning Green.
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Chlorotic Oak Leaf After Treatment – One year after treatment.
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This Oak Leaf is Showing New Growth. Notice the Older Chlorotic Leaves Underneath the New Growth. They are Both on the Same Branch.
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Chlorotic Oak Before Treatment
– All The Leaves Are Chlorotic,
Yellow and Damaged.
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Chlorotic 1 Month After Treatment
– All The New Growth Is Green.
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No longer chlorotic tree
1 year after treatment.
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Tree Watering with Yucca Extract
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This young Douglas Fir died after a dry winter from lack of water.
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Rory winter watering an Ohio Buckeye tree in Boulder.
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Watering is an important phase of growing and maintaining healthy and lush trees. Trees need additional water during prolonged drought and during the winter months. Evergreen trees prefer to be watered less than the lawn. Evergreens need to be watered once a week with 5-15 gallons of water in the summer heat and once a month with 10-15 gallons of water in the winter.
Mature Pinyon Pines do not require watering. Deciduous (leafy) trees and shrubs, older trees, and dry-land trees such as honey locust, sumac, oak, fruit trees, and birch trees prefer to be watered 10-20 gallons of water per week in the summer and 10-15 gallons of water once per month in the winter. Upland trees such as elm, ash, lilac, linden, and maple prefer 15-20 gallons of water per week in the summer and 15-20 gallons of water once per month in the winter. Remember it takes 10 inches of snow to produce 1 inch off water.
Using yucca extract is a proven and beneficial agent in aiding with the uptake of water by the tree. Yucca
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The Yucca Schidigera plant
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is a wetting agent and surfactant derived from the yucca schidigera plant. This unique species of desert plant produces natural surfactants that specifically aid in the utilization water by plant life and reduces the damage caused by harsh desert climates with extreme heat, drought and soil salinity. Yucca extracts also contain natural sugars that stimulate beneficial microbial activity.
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Gallons of Water Per Tree
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Cost Per Tree*
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5 gallons
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$4.00
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10 gallons
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$6.25
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15 gallons
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$8.50
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20 gallons
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$10.75
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25 gallons
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$13.00
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* $35.00 Minimum Trip Charge
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Winter Tree Wrapping
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This apple tree has suffered extreme bark splitting from direct southern exposure and excessive temperature fluctuations.
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Trees that have direct southern exposure during the winter months are highly susceptible to tree bark splitting and cracking. During warm days the sun excessively heats the bark on the southern side of the tree. During the night the bark freezes causing the bark to expand. If this expansion and contraction continues over and over again it will cause the tree bark to split exposing the unprotected inner layer of the tree. Wrapping a tree protects the bark and maintains a more constant temperature thereby reducing the expansion and contraction of the tree bark.
During the first 2-5 years all newly planted deciduous trees require winter wrapping to protect the thin bark and susceptible bark from cracking. It is recommended to wrap deciduous trees until the tree has a naturally protective thick bark, however, if the tree is located in full direct southern exposure winter wrapping is recommended even if the species does not require annual wrapping. Certain tree species including ash, locust, and linden trees require annual wrapping even on older trees. Depending on the weather, tree wrapping should be performed near November 1st and removed around March 15th.
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Andrew winter wraps a newly planted Aristocrat Pear tree.
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Always wrap a tree starting at the bottom of the trunk working up the tree to the first tree limb.
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We secure the wrapping with a special tape that can expand and is gentle on the tree’s bark.
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Winter Tree Wrapping Prices*
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Number of Trees
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Cost Per Tree
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1-5 Trees
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$7.00
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6-15 Trees
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$6.00
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16-30 Trees
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$5.00
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31+ Trees
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$4.00
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* Minimum trip charge of $35 is required. If we are already at the
property doing a different service there is no minimum charge.
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