Henry from Lawrenceburg, Ky writes
I live in Kentucky, at what time(s) should the mix be asppied and how?
Treatments should begin in May or June and should be done every year to protect trees from the emerald Ash Borers. Most people use a 5 gallon bucket or a large watering can to apply Dominion as a soil drench. You will need 0.1 to 0.2 fl. oz. (3 to 6 mL) of Dominion 2L per inch of trunk diameter for trees. It is recommended that you use the higher rate for boring beetles. The amount of water that is used will vary depending on soil conditions and volumes that are easy for applicators to use. The minimum amount of water that should be used is 1 pint per inch of trunk diameter for trees but you may use 1 quart -1 gallon of water per inch of trunk diameter for trees. Denser soils such as clay do not accept water as readily, so the lower volume of water is suggested. Since sandy soils can accept more water, using the higher volume of water is preferred. After the soil drench has been applied you should water it in with at east 1/2 inch of water. Note: Water simply acts as a carrier and it is important that even distribution of the product is achieved. Thus, more water may be used if the applicator feels runoff will not occur and proper penetration of the root zone is achieved. Insecticides applied to the soil are taken up by the roots and trans-located throughout the tree or shrub. Root/soil drenches offer the advantage of requiring no special equipment to apply (other than a bucket or watering can). However, surface layers of organic matter, such as mulch or leaf litter, can bind the insecticide and reduce uptake. Before applying drenches, it is important to remove or pull back any mulch or dead leaves so the insecticide solution is poured directly on the mineral soil. It is also important to keep the soil around the tree or shrub moist for the next 10-14 days after applications to encourage uptake.
Answer last updated on: 04/01/2013
