Systemic tree implants were developed in the United States more than 40 years ago. Since that time these implants have proven to be safe and effective for the treatment of a range of tree health disorders. These implants are delivered directly into the tree and are designed to remain safely within the tree with the contents delivered systemically throughout the tree with sap flow.

The implant provides the tree with a slow release nutrient that benefits the tree over a longer period of time, with the aim of improving plant vigour and general health and condition.

Slide from a presentation by ArborCarbon’s Dr Paul Barber in Warwick in the UK in 2015

Implants are very easy to administer

Implants are available in the following formulas, they can be used in combination with each other;

PHOSCAP (HIGH PHOSPHATE 0-50-30) is a special formulation of high water soluble phosphate, potassium and a range of trace elements designed to stimulate tree foliage. Provides phosphate for plant health and root enhancement, potassium for cell strength and rigidity, and essential trace elements to ensure a more complete nutrient feed. This implant treatment may be helpful to enhance protein and carbohydrate synthesis and aid in plant health tolerance to heat, cold and drought. Also reduces plant stress, enhances overall health and increases resistance to disease.

MEDICAP MD (12-4-4) A special blend of highly water soluble nutrients designed to stimulate tree growth including trace elements required for the production of healthy green foliage. Ideal for use on fruit, ornamental and native trees and designed to be effective for a number of years after a single application. Treatments may mitigate premature decline in health triggered by mechanical damage, sub-optimal soil conditions, disease or insect attack, waterlogging, drought or frost damage, transplant shock, or pruning shock.

MEDICAP MN (MANGANESE) This formulation of manganese is ideal in trees where manganese deficiencies are difficult to control with soil or foliage application. Such manganese deficiencies are normally associated with calcareous, arid or sandy soil conditions. Trees most susceptible include maple, peach, ornamental cherry, citrus and a range of deciduous fruit.

MEDICAP FE (IRON) A unique formulation of water-soluble iron effective in trees suffering iron deficiency where application of iron to the soil or foliage is ineffective. Such iron deficiencies are normally associated with calcareous, arid, or sandy soil conditions. Trees most susceptible include a range of eucalypt species, pin and white oak, black locust, birch, liquid amber, pines, magnolia, bauhinia, dogwood, podocarpus, poplar, citrus, peach, pear, apple and avocado.

MEDICAP ZN (ZINC) These zinc implants are effective in trees where zinc deficiencies are difficult to control by soil or foliage application. Such zinc deficiencies are normally associated with calcareous soils and are common in citrus, peach, nectarine, eucalypts, avocado, walnut, pecan and other nut-producing trees.

For pricing or more information contact Paul Barber at ArborCarbon p.barber@arborcarbon.com.au or phone +61 8 9467 9876

Going to the trouble of building around  beautiful mature trees is well worth the effort.

This amazing home which was built by the principal of Modal Design in the LA suburb of Venice, California, is a great example.  Read the article about this project in Dwell Magazine .

California has a hot and dry climate similar to many parts of Australia and US designers in the warmer states like California and Texas especially, are increasingly incorporating mature amenity trees in their designs, with stunning results.

Studies show that trees  add value to properties, so it is about visual appeal.  As urban temperatures rise, properties with large shade trees will become increasingly sought after.

The benefits are both visual and tangible  Outdoor areas like the one below can be enjoyed from day one in a new home, improving quality of life immensely.  Man-made shade sails and structures just don’t enhance the amenity or cool like big shade trees.

At ArborCarbon we have received a noticeable increase in enquiries from planners and designers requesting Arboricultural reports in their initial site context analyses, with the objective of retaining and building around existing trees.  Builders are also contacting us for advice on how to protect trees on construction sites.

It is great  to see more people thinking outside the square and incorporating and protecting beautiful mature trees. The health benefits provided to the occupants of a dwelling by surrounding trees should not be underestimated.

ArborCarbon’s  Dr Paul Barber, was asked to comment on last night’s Today Tonight;

“Trees keep us cooler and are good for our health, so why are we chopping so many down?”

“CALCULATIONS show that redeveloping the SAS’s Seaward Village in Swanbourne could mean the loss of 25,000sq m of cooling tree canopy, in addition to an estimated 12ha lost in the City of Nedlands recently.

“You’re certainly going to lose tree canopy if you bowl it all over – about that there’s no doubt,” Arbor Carbon director and Murdoch University associate professor Paul Barber said.”

Read the full article 

ArborCarbon scientists undertook a study over 2 years based on aerial surveys using multi-spectral, high resolution imaging. The results were startling and concerning.

The majority of councils within the ‘leafy western suburbs’ have experienced a loss in canopy cover over the  two-year period.

The study showed that the hottest areas in the western suburbs had little vegetation and an excess of sand. Examples include Campbell Barracks, Mt Claremont, the area south of UWA, immediately west of Shenton bushland, the QEII medical centre and Sir Charles Gardner Hospital – and around Subiaco Square.

Some of the coolest areas are, of course, where there is a body of water like Lakes Claremont and Monger. Other cool areas include suburbs within Subiaco, the Wembley golf complex, and Perry Lakes Reserve.

I am passionate about the need to maintain and foster tree growth in urban areas. Replacement with young trees is not the solution as they could take 50 years to mature before the same shade and cooling benefits are realised.

We need to embrace trees and the benefits they provide, rather than seeing them as a nuisance or being scared that a tree will fail simply because it is a big tree.

The tree loss shown in this study is a major concern as we know that canopy cover is directly linked to the Urban Heat Island Effect. We are compounding the problem by not conserving our canopy and this impacts the health of people in our communities.

To read more please read the full story on WAtoday.