Logical Tree Management was recently commissioned by Mal’s Environmental & Ecological Services to assist in the rescue and relocation of fauna from 88 trees including Conifers and Sydney Blue Gums.  The trees were being removed to make way for a new development in Wantirna South.

The trees were between 30 and 50 years old and were too immature for hollow formation but after further inspection five Common Ringtail Possum dreys were discovered. Two females and her three young were removed from dreys, placed into two nesting boxes and taken by the LTM climbers to Llewellyn Park Reserve where they were safely relocated to mature Swamp Gums. Llewellyn Park Reserve was chosen for the wildlife relocation as it was close to the site and contained high quality habitat that would suit the ringtail possums.

Introduction

Malcolm Legg from Mal’s Environmental & Ecological Services was commissioned by Michael Tracy of Logical Tree Management to rescue and relocate fauna from 88 trees including conifers and Sydney Blue Gums before removal. The fauna rescue and relocation was conducted on the 17th and 18th of October 2011.

Study Site

The site is situated on the corners of High Street and Stud Road Wantirna South (Melways reference number 72 J3) and was the former Nu-brick property which has been bought and is currently being turned into a housing estate by Mirvac Home Builders (Vic) Pty Ltd. The trees marked for removal reside along the north-western boundaries and include Conifers, and Sydney Blue Gum. The trees are between 30 and 50 years old and were planted by the former property owners. No indigenous trees were present. All trees were too immature for hollow formation but after initial site inspection on the 10-10-11 Common Ringtail Possum dreys and bird nests were noted to be present within the trees.

Methods

All trees were examined for wildlife with the use of a large cherry picker and equipment used included gloves, noose, net on a pole, hessian sacks and nesting boxes for possums.

Discussion

During tree examination five Common Ringtail Possum dreys were found of which only two were occupied by possums. Two females and three young were removed from the dreys. They were placed in two nesting boxes and taken to Llewellyn Park Reserve approximately 1km (refer to map 1) away and placed in two Swamp Gums by one of Logical Tree Management tree climbers. All possums that were detected at the capture site were caught and no injuries occurred.

Six Australian Magpie and 3 Little Wattlebird nests were also located within the trees marked for removal but all were old and no babies or eggs were present.
Llewellyn Park Reserve was chosen for wildlife relocation as it was close to the site and contained high quality habitat that would suit the ringtail possums. The habitat within this reserve along Blind Creek is at a much higher quality than from their original site. James Rose (Team Leader of Bushland Management) from the City of Knox permitted such a relocation within their municipality.

Mal’s Environmental & Ecological Services
ABN 70 165 787 370
PO Box 247
Shoreham 3916
Ph 03 59 863 448
M 0438 898 325
E malcolmlegg@bigpond.com

Xanthogaleruca luteola

Spring is not the only thing in the air this time of year.  For those owners of Elm trees, spring also brings with it the reemergence of the Elm Leaf Beetle.  Elm Leaf Beetle has been in Victoria for over two decades and is now a widespread and serious pest for owners and managers of susceptible Elm trees.

Both the larvae and adults feed on foliage causing the leaves to desiccate, turn brown and fall to the ground.  Severe foliage browning and defoliation results in a loss of amenity and more importantly if left unchecked, repeated seasonal defoliation can have serious consequences on tree health and implications for tree longevity, rendering affected specimens susceptible to other environmental stresses.

In addition, the beetle can be an indoor, household nuisance in autumn and spring for households and buildings in close proximity to trees infested with the pest.  The adult beetles are inadvertent invaders.  In autumn, adult beetles overwinter by hiding in cracks and crevices and may enter houses and other buildings to hide, emerging again in spring.

European Elms are susceptible to attack. The most common types of European elms found throughout Victoria include the English Elm (Ulmus procera), Dutch Elm (U. x hollandica), Golden Wych Elm (U. glabra ‘Lutescens’), Variegated Elm (Ulmus minor ‘Variegata’) and Weeping Elm (U. glabra ‘Pendula’), are susceptible to the beetle.  Asian Elms such as the Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) and the closely related Zelkova (Zelkova serrata) are relatively resistant to Elm leaf beetle.  The Hackberry (Celtis spp.), also closely related to the Elm is not known to be susceptible.

Elm Leaf Beetle can be readily controlled through the use of insecticides.  Tree Logic’s Horticultural Services uses low toxicity insecticides applied through soil or trunk injection techniques to provide effective control for up to two seasons.

More info and booking form…

Neem plant

In an exciting development, Tree Logic is working with Bioforest Canada to register the bioinsecticide TreeAzin for use against Elm Leaf Beetle in Australia.   Elm Leaf Beetle (Pyrrahalta luteola), poses a serious ongoing threat to Australia’s population of European and American Elm varieties.  Presently, chemical control options largely rely on synthesized neuro-active insecticides.   TreeAzin offers a safe natural alternative.
Originating from the Neem plant (Azadirachta indica), the active ingredient of TreeAzin, Azadirachtin, is a safe and natural product, and one of the most commonly used bioinsecticides worldwide.  TreeAzin has been very effective against just about every pest that feeds on tree tissues or fluids.  TreeAzin works by reducing reduces female fecundity and egg viability by about 99%.   Larval mortality is typically as high as 85-95%.  The combined effect is to reduce pest populations for two years.

Azadirachtin formulations are most commonly produced as foliar spray used by the agricultural and floricultural industry against foliar feeding insects.  TreeAzin however has been developed as a liquid loadable specifically for use in trunk injection delivery, an application method commonly used in the arboriculture and amenity horticulture industry.
TreeAzin is currently registered as a systemic bioinsecticide by the US Environmental Protection Agency, and has been successful in controlling the invasive woodboring beetle, the Emerald Ash borer, a recent and serious threat to Ash Trees throughout Canada and the US.  Tree Logic is working with Bioforest Canada to undertake field trails in Melbourne over the next two years.  If successful it is hoped TreeAzin will be available to the industry in 2012.
Although the primary target is Elm Leaf Beetle, TreeAzin may also prove a suitable bioinsecticide with other defoliating and leafmining insects including Aphids, Pear and Cherry Slug, Gum Tree Lerp Psyllid, Gum Leaf Skeletonizer, Gum Tree Scale, and Fig Psyllid.
Read more about our Elm Leaf Beetle program.

The fungus Uredo rangelii (myrtle rust) has been detected on two commercial properties on the New South Wales central coast.  Myrtle rust is considered to be part of a group of rust fungi collectively known as eucalyptus/guava rust.  The Department of Primary Industries and Department of Sustainability and Environment have circulated Emergency Plant Pest Alerts. Severe rust disease in young trees may kill shoot tips, causing loss of leaders and a bushy habit.  Rusts are highly transportable and are most often dispersed by wind but they may also attract bees who work the spores on leave.  The spores can also be spread via contaminated clothing, infected plant material and insect movement.  Early identification of this rust is vital for effective management. Any rust noticed on Myrtaceae species should be reported by calling the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

Myrtle Rust (Uredo rangelii) on Agonis flexuosa, cv. Afterdark (willow myrtle) Photo: Dr Angus Carnegie

Host species

In Australia, myrtle rust has recently been detected on Agonis (willow myrtle), Syncarpia (turpentine) and Callistemon(bottlebrush) species.

Internationally, there are unconfirmed reports of infection on some Eucalyptus species. It has also been confirmed on Myrtus, Syzygium and Heteropyxis species overseas.
To date, it has not been confirmed on Australian eucalypts.

Spread

Rusts are highly transportable. The most common dispersal mechanism is via wind, but they may also be dispersed by bees who work the spores on leaves.
The spores can also be spread via contaminated clothing, infected plant material and insect movement.

Identification

Myrtle rust produces lesions on young, actively growing leaves and shoots, as well as on fruits and sepals. Leaves may become buckled or twisted as a result of infection.
On turpentine and bottlebrush, rust lesions are purple in colour, with masses of bright yellow or orange-yellow spores. Occasionally, they may have dark brown spores.
Severe rust disease in young trees may kill shoot tips, causing loss of leaders and a bushy habit.

Reporting

Any rust noticed on Myrtaceae species should be reported. Please call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on
Freecall 1800 084 881.
Do not collect samples of suspected myrtle rust, as this could spread the disease.

Read more

Tree Logic had been trialing tree injectors for many years. Glenn Waters Director/Consulting Arborist & Sales explains “whatever system we tried, there always seemed to be some element we felt could be improved”. Through research Glenn located a manufacturer of animal health syringes. For several years Tree Logic and the manufacturer have trialed different prototypes working towards a design that works, is refillable, efficient, sturdy enough for commercial use and reasonably priced. Viola! The Smart Shot Refillable Tree Injector was born.

What Benefits does Smart-Shot™ bring to the industry?

Smart Shot is easy to use and with the draw-off loader there is no need to come into contact with any chemical. It has low pressure (<3.5psi) as opposed to other injection systems that can cause wood tissue wounding at the injection site. It also has a very small injection hole and no rubber or plastic plugs need to be inserted or left in the tree. “The main benefits of smart shot is that it is low cost, immediately refillable and reusable, safe, efficient and easy to use” says Glenn.

How Significant is Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector?

There has already been considerable interest in the product. As Glenn says “if the number of enquiries and emails are any indication we may see the Smart Shot Refillable Tree Injector being the industry standard for this type of work in the future”.

Smart-Shot™ is a trademark of Tree Logic Pty Ltd

Order online now at Tree Logic

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

The long-awaited release of the newly registered Bayer SilvaShield® Injectable Tree Insecticide has arrived.

Current practice has many applicators using non-registered products such as Confidor® to undertake trunk injections.  Confidor was formulated as a soil drench and while some control may be achieved, there are chemicals in Confidor that actually inhibit uptake through the tree’s vascular system and reduce the effectiveness of any control.

Better Results
Bayer’s SilvaShield is a specifically formulated trunk injectable that has been in testing for some time. If you are an owner of trees that are likely to receive trunk injection as a control option this season, you should specify that SilvaShield is to be used to maximize your tree management spending.

Tree Logic offer a range of trunk injection equipment to allow applicators to make the best use of SilvaShield with the Arborjet (US) product range now available in our online store.

Refillable Injectors Coming Soon
Tree Logic has also been working on developing a small low-cost refillable trunk injector that will be perfect for the application of SilvaShield.  These small refillable injectors are in the testing stage now and are likely to be available in the next few weeks, Stay Tuned!!

The long-awaited release of the newly registered Bayer SilvaShield® Injectable Tree Insecticide is likely to occur any day now according to company sources.

This new product will be the only bulk liquid trunk injectable insecticide available for use in Australia and will mean that applicators will be able to access a registered product to offer their clients for a range of tree injection uses.

In the past the trunk injection industry has seen many applicators using non-registered products such as Confidor® to undertake trunk injections. Confidor was formulated as a soil drench and while some control may be achieved, there are chemicals in Confidor that actually inhibit uptake through the tree’s vascular system and reduce the effectiveness of any control.

This will change with Bayer’s SilvaShield as it is a specifically formulated trunk injectable that has been in testing for some time.

If you are a owner of trees that are likely to receive trunk injection as a control option this season, you should specify that SilvaShield is to be used to maximise your tree management spending.

Tree Logic offer a range of trunk injection equipment to allow applicators to make the best use of SilvaShield with the Arborjet (US) product range now available in our online store.

Tree Logic has also been working on developing a small refillable trunk injector that will be perfect for the application of SilvaShield. These small refillable injectors are in the testing stage now and are likely to be available in the next few months, Stay Tuned!!

A recent letter from Peter has been answered by Stephen Frank at Tree Logic and so we include here as advise to those with similar problems.

Hi
My name is Peter I have a problem with my maple tree in the back yard.
Can you help me with a grub that seems to be eating the crotches and trunk of this Acer rubrums.
It is a young tree.
If I send some photos can you please give me a consultation? Possibly a way to save the tree from getting worse as we love the tree I am happy to pay you for your time
Regards
Peter

Hello Peter,
Indeed your Red Maple has a problem, and to be honest one that can not be solved by any arboricultural treatment I am aware of.
Judging from the photo accompanying your email, the pest has been present for some time and extent of damage is too much. It would appear that ~50% of the circumference of the stem has been affected.
Control of borer in trees is very difficult.  Most borers attack trees weakened by drought, mechanical injury, recent transplants, poor soils or root systems. The most important prevention of borers is keeping trees healthy through proper management (primarily watering, which again can be difficult under current drought conditions).  The most common way to control borers, in addition to proper tree maintenance, is chemical control.  However, borers live inside trees, and treating them with insecticides is difficult if not impossible, and it comes down to timing of treatment.  The best time to control borers is when adult are laying eggs on or under bark, which is difficult to monitor in a domestic situation.  Pheromone traps, available for some borer species, help determine if adults are present. Trunk sprays can be effective when borers are in the early larvae stage before they enter the tree.  I reiterate that the extent of damage with your tree suggests that the tree is past chemical treatment.  I have heard people using a fine wire to poke into the tunnels created by the borers in the hope of skewing one.
I would suggest you remove the tree (as distasteful as it sounds) and replace it with a new one.  Properly plant species that are well adapted to your location and provide them with proper care.  Avoid pruning from spring through summer when adults are active. Protect trees from injury. Remove and dispose of dying limbs and dead trees. Do not pile fresh-cut wood near trees.
I hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Stephen Frank

Coconut Whitefly (Aleurodicus destructor)
It will certainly not be difficult to identify this pest as the larval and pupal stages of this insect produce long glass-like or filamentous white rods that look like hardened cotton threads which can be up to 2-3 cm long on the underside of the leaves.

This sap-sucker is a major pest of important horticultural crops throughout the ?Caribbean and South Asia and Pacific areas as well as impacting upon an extensive range of ornamental trees.
This pest is not technically a fly but is actually a bug (Order: Hemiptera) and ?obviously received its name from the characteristic white winged adult insect.
Damage is caused by the sap-sucking immature and adult whiteflies and these feed almost exclusively on the underside of the leaves. Sooty mould will often occur with a heavy infestation. Leaf damage can result in a loss of photosynthate and health issues and very severe infestation can lead to defoliation.
Contact insecticides are difficult to apply given the location of the infestation and while systemic insecticides such as ?Confidor® mayoffer better control, the larval and pupal cases are still attached to the leaves which remain particularly unsightly.

Click to download a pritable pdf
More information can be obtained from CSIRO Entomology.
www.ento.csiro.au