Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector

For over a decade Tree Logic has been involved in extensive research and testing of every commercially available tree injection system. Every device we tested had some issue that prevented it being the perfect solution for the complex requirements of accurate tree injection.

This experience has been invaluable in showing our research team the advantages and disadvantages of individual systems. To this end, Tree Logic has spent the last few years working on a prototype injector that fulfills all requirements while being a high enough quality to stand the rigors of constant commercial use. The result of this testing and research is new Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector.

Available now in the Tree Logic online store

The Tree Logic Smart-Shot™ Injector System will consist of a purpose-designed injector unit with pre-measured dosage amounts to allow for easy calculation of individual tree dosage, two different length injector probes and a customised draw-off to ensure no-mess filling of the injector. This draw-off has been customised to fit the cap size of the newly registered Bayer SilvaShield® Tree Injectable container.

The Tree Logic Smart-Shot™ Injector System sets a new standard for environmentally safe chemical use for tree injection and we believe that it will be the benchmark standard for tree injection for years to come.
Initially available in a 3ml–6ml injector with a 5ml-10ml injector to be released soon. There will be two injector probe lengths and a range of replacement springs and O-rings.

Benefits:

• Low cost
• Refillable for use again and again
• Safe filling with a purpose designed ‘draw-off’
• Can be used with a range of chemicals
• Robust commercial quality
• Simple & easy to use

FAQ’s

Q.    How does the the Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector work?
The Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector allows a precise dosage to be filled in the injector and then delivered under very low pressure into the tree’s vascular system. This is done by drilling a hole through the tree’s outer bark then inserting the charged injector into the correct area and releasing the dose. Refilling is done through the Draw-Off Injector loader, which ensures safe and accurate reloading of the injector.

Q.    What is the difference between the Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector and other tree injection systems?

• Low cost.
• Low pressure (<3.5psi) as opposed to other injection systems that can cause wood tissue wounding at the injection site (eg: Sidewinder, Arborjet ‘Viper’, etc.).
• No rubber or plastic plugs need to be inserted or left in the tree.
• Very small injection hole (4mm).
• Immediately refillable and reusable.
• Spill-proof draw-off for safe, efficient loading in of the injectors.
• Easy for non-arborists to use.

Q.    Why are there two different length nozzles available?
The thickness of outer bark can vary between different tree species and even between different age trees of the same species. The two nozzle lengths will allow almost every species and age tree to be injected with the Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector.

Q.    Why are there two different sizes available?
The 3-5ml Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector was designed for use with Bayer’s Silva-Shield Tree Injectable product and the label dosage rate specifies dosages in the range of 3-5ml. The Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector is perfect for use with this product. The 6-10ml Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector was designed for other chemicals which may have slightly larger dosage volumes.

Q.    How many Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injectors do I need to inject one tree?
You can complete the correct dosage injection for one tree (or many trees) using only one injector, however it will be quicker and more economic to use several injectors at the one time to perform the treatment. We recommend at least four (4) injectors on trees with trunk diameters up to 500mm and six (6) on trees with trunk diameters over 500mm. When using multiple injectors, the injectors are inserted one after the other and by the time the last injector is inserted it will be time to check the first injector to determine if the tree has taken up the dosage. Multiple injection sites should be spaced evenly around the tree to provide uniform uptake.

Q.    What other tools do I need to undertake tree injection treatments?
You will need either a hand or cordless drill, several sharp high-helix 7/32” drill bits, a container to store and transport the injectors and a diameter measuring tape to calculate dosage. Personal protective equipment such as chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection and long-sleeved shirts is recommended. Please refer to the particular chemical manufacturer’s instructions for other requirements.

Q.    How do I load the Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector?
Tree Logic strongly recommends the use of the purpose-designed Draw-Off Injector Loader for use with the Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector.
To load the injector with the Smart-Shot draw-off simply place the injector nozzle into the top of the Draw-off and seat firmly. Pump the plunger several times to expel any trapped air and to load the injector with the chemical. Ensure that the injector is locked into the correct dosage notch prior to removal from the draw-off injector loader. The Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injectors can be used without the Draw-Off Injector Loader by placing the nozzle of the Injector into the chemical container and below the level of the liquid and drawing the chemical into injector by pulling the plunger to the required dosage and then locking the plunger into the required dosage notch.

Q.    How do I clean the Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector?
Tree Logic recommends that the Injectors be cleaned regularly by rinsing and washing the injector with clean water. Apply a smear of silicon grease/spray to the plunger seal after cleaning for best results.

Q.    How long does it take to treat a tree using the Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector?
The injection process can take between 5 – 30 minutes depending upon a range of variables, including tree species, tree age, tree health and climatic conditions (temperature, wind, etc.). Avoid injecting on cold, rainy or overcast days and early mornings as this will significantly slow the injection uptake process.

Q.    Can I leave the Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector in the tree overnight or while I do something else?
CAUTION; Do not leave the injector/s or tree unattended during treatment. Pesticide applications must always be monitored and attended.

Q.    How difficult is it to use the Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector?
The injectors themselves are simple and easy to use. It is the actual drilling the tree that requires some basic understanding of tree physiology to ensure correct placement and fitting. The injection hole should be drilled on a slight downward angle with a sharp high-helix drill bit (7/32”) using very light pressure through the outer and inner bark to the sapwood (moist vascular tissue). Do not drill too deep; this will slow the injection uptake process. Injection sites should be low down on the trunk and the root buttress and not above the first limb.

Q.   Where are they available from?
Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injectors are only available from Tree Logic Pty. Ltd.  through our ONLINE SHOP or directly from the Tree Logic shop in Ringwood, Victoria.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD SMART-SHOT™ INSTRUCTIONS