Arborjet, a Woburn, Mass.-based company that develops remedies for some of the world’s most destructive tree insects and diseases, kicked off the Million Tree Challenge to help save one million American trees.
The company donated trunk injection treatments to protect 50 of the most highly-valued trees in Kansas City, Mo., from the emerald ash borer, holding the first symbolic treatment and demonstrating the trunk injection technology during the city’s Greenway Fields Tree Census and Arbor Day Celebration last week.
The company said there are effective ways to prevent the destruction invasive tree pests like the emerald ash borer have had on America’s urban forests. Last year, trunk injection treatments from Arborjet protected more than 850,000 trees against tree pest attacks, the company said. The rescue of these trees had a significant economic impact, saving the United States an estimated total of $714 million: $612 million in tree removal and replacement costs, and an annual tree benefit value of $102 million in storm water runoff, property value, energy savings, and air quality, according to the National Tree Benefit Calculator.
“As an environmentally responsible treatment, trunk injections cost significantly less than removing and replacing mature trees and help preserve the environmental, economic and aesthetic benefits trees bring to us all,” said Russ Davis, Arborjet president and COO. “Our hope is that by declaring the Million Tree Challenge, we can encourage everyone to help save one of our country’s most treasured assets, our trees.”
The tree trunk injection works by injecting the appropriate formulation dose directly into a tree’s vascular system where it moves quickly to the target area. Unlike spraying and soil drenching, tree trunk injections are sealed in the tree, limiting environmental exposure. Nothing is placed into the air or soil at the time of injection. The active ingredient keeps working through the tree’s vascular system, providing long-lasting protection. Arborjet even offers one injectable treatment that protects trees against 25 different insect species for up to two years and can stop damage if a tree is currently under attack.
