Micro-injection vs macro-infusion — the difference
Micro-injection delivers small volumes (typically 1–5 mL per injection site, total 10–40 mL per tree) of concentrated active ingredient via plug-style injection ports inserted into shallow holes drilled into the cambium. Used for products that are highly concentrated and effective at low dose — e.g., chelated micronutrients, certain insecticides. Macro-infusion delivers larger volumes (sometimes a gallon or more per large tree) over a longer infusion time, typically through ports installed at the base of the tree connected to a gravity-fed manifold. Used for products that need wide vascular distribution and where speed of treatment is important — e.g., oak wilt protocol.
Why injection vs spraying or soil application
Foliar sprays are limited by the canopy you can reach with the equipment you have, they're affected by weather, and they don't reach systemic pathogens inside the tree. Soil applications can be effective for some products but are slow, can affect non-target organisms, and have limited uptake in our alkaline DFW clay. Injections bypass both limitations: the product enters the vascular system directly, distributes throughout the tree within days, and stays effective for months to years depending on the product. For systemic diseases like oak wilt and BLS, injection is the standard.
What we inject in Everman
Propiconazole (oak wilt protocol, sometimes spelled propi). Macro-infusion every 24 months. Effective preventively in high-risk neighborhoods and therapeutically in trees with early symptoms. Oxytetracycline (bacterial leaf scorch treatment). Annual trunk injection, ideally starting at first symptoms — earlier is better. Chelated iron + manganese (iron chlorosis correction). Spring trunk injection, visible greening within 4–8 weeks, lasts 1–3 seasons. Abamectin/emamectin benzoate (systemic insecticide for borers and certain leaf-feeders). Annual treatment. Imidacloprid (systemic for aphids and scale). Soil injection or trunk injection depending on situation.
Injection drilling — done right
Bad injection technique can damage a tree. Drilling deep, oversized holes opens the tree to decay. We use the correct drill size for each port system (typically 11/64" or 9/32"), the correct depth (1–1.5 inches into sapwood for most species), proper spacing (every 4–8 inches around the trunk depending on DBH), and we cap holes with treatment plugs that minimize callus stress. Every injection site is documented.
When injection isn't the right choice
For trees already in significant decline (more than 50% canopy loss), injection often comes too late. For young, healthy trees that don't have a specific disease, injection is unnecessary — proper watering and routine PHC are more effective. For some pests that respond well to less invasive treatments (mild aphids, for example), foliar sprays or systemic soil drenches may be the better choice.
Everman injection pricing
Single-tree injection treatments in Everman typically run $200–$700 per tree per treatment, depending on tree size and the product used. Annual programs that include injection plus deep-root feeding and monitoring start at $500. Macro-infusion for oak wilt protocol on large heritage live oaks: $400–$1,200 per treatment. Free written estimate.