Frequently Asked Questions

To have your tree included no additional action is needed. Within the next few weeks, we will treat trees near the power lines. We will knock on your door as a courtesy before applying the treatment. 

Your tree(s) will generally be treated 2-3 weeks after your door card notification was left. 

This is not applied by spray. Trees are treated by soil injection, 4 to 6 inches beneath the ground, at the base of the tree. The product binds to soil particles and has limited mobility in all soil types.

There is no cost to you associated with this service. This service is part of your utility’s vegetation management program.

• Paclobutrazol is a proven tree growth management product that has been used by tree care professionals, utilities, universities, and agriculture for decades. It slows tree growth, thereby decreasing the amount of pruning needed. It also enhances the health and appearance of the tree. 
• Paclobutrazol is the ideal tool for utility companies and their customers to improve how Right-Of-Way trees are managed in the urban forest. 

No, when properly applied by a tree care professional in accordance to the label, there are many documented tree benefits of paclobutrazol. The first response to treatment is commonly darker green leaves due to an increase in chlorophyll production. Over time your trees will become healthier and you will notice less growth resulting in a more compact tree. An additional benefit to you is less frequent pruning for the treated trees.

There are no reported cases of adverse effects on people, pets, or wildlife. Paclobutrazol has an EPA Caution label. Research shows that there is minimal risk to people, pets, and wildlife when applied according to the label by licensed professionals. The effects of paclobutrazol are highly specific to processes found in plants. 

The growth of surrounding grass, shrubs, flowers, and other vegetation may be slowed if the roots of these plants are growing in the area we treated near the base of the tree.

Paclobutrazol has undergone extensive testing required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state agencies. Paclobutrazol has been shown to have limited mobility in all soil types, which means minimal leaching potential.

Yes, the use of TGR’s on your property is completely voluntary. Contact us if you wish to do so. We also have experts available to answer any questions. 

Re-application is generally recommended approximately every two – three years. Beneficial effects on some tree species may last longer.

Yes, leaves from treated trees can be used as mulch, bagged for disposal, or composted.

Our product is effective on about 80% to 85% of the species in any given geographic area. We did not treat the tree species where it does not work. 

You will need to contact your local arborist company. Contact us at [email protected] for names of local companies who utilize growth regulators as a part of their tree health program.

The use of paclobutrazol has proven to reduce the frequency of pruning but does not replace it.