For cosmetic reasons, the Ontario Government placed a ban on using specific pesticides in 2009. Due to this, a lot of people think that this ban means they are unable to treat pests that infect or infest their trees with pesticides, like the pear trellis rust or for the emerald ash borer. However, this is not actually the case. There are a few exceptions to this particular Pesticide Act and Regulations that allow you to use certain pesticides. This, of course, does not apply to golf courses and farmers. If you enlist the help from an arborist for a pest problem, they are actually allowed to use registered pesticides if the health of your tree is threatened. If a pesticide is considered to have lower or non-toxic properties, under the Pesticide Act and Regulations, they are allowed to be used cosmetically. These are known as Class 11 pesticides and can include copper spray, insecticide soap, and landscape oil.
Now, you might be wondering what this means in terms of treating pests in your tree. We here at Five Star Tree Services are going to go over what you need to know.
If your tree’s life is being threatened by some sort of pest, a professional arborist is allowed to use pesticide treatments. Some instances could be for emerald ash borers, magnolia scale, or pear trellis rust. For arborists to use any pesticides, they have to be used according to the label and registered in Canada. Another reason arborists are allowed to use pesticides is if there is a cosmetic problem. This includes things like bladder gall mites and tar spots. These pests only make the trees look ugly, but they don’t actually harm the tree itself. If pesticides are given for this reason, they have to be a Class 11 pesticide, be used according to the label, and be registered in Canada.
There is a difference between these two instances above. This means that if your pest falls out of the above parameters and a Class 11 pesticide can’t be used, then an arborist will not be able to use a pesticide treatment for cosmetic damage only. For example, if you have a fruit bearing tree and they are being damaged by pests in a residential area, you cannot have an arborist use pesticides. For these types of pests, they usually require something stronger than a Class 11 pesticide.
How Five Star Tree Services Can Help
Pesticide applications are governed by a lot of regulations. These regulations can make it harder for arborists to give your tree treatment depending on the situation. If you require assistance with a certain tree pest, our team here at Five Star Tree Services is here to help you. Depending on your exact situation, we might be able to use a treatment with a pesticide application. Give us a call today at (416) 990-3355 and visit our website for more information!