Protecting Our Pollinating Partners: The Essential Guide to Pollinator-Safe Tree Treatments

As homeowners and tree care professionals grapple with increasing pest pressures on valuable landscape trees, the challenge of protecting both our investments and the beneficial insects that pollinate our gardens has never been more critical. The delicate balance between effective pest management and pollinator conservation requires thoughtful approaches that prioritize timing, treatment selection, and application methods.

Understanding the Pollinator Challenge

Pollinators are animals that transfer pollen among flowers, which leads to the production of fruits and seeds. Pollination is a crucial step in the production of many fruits, nuts, and vegetables that people eat. In 2010, crops pollinated by honey bees and other insects were worth $29 billion in the U.S. alone. Yet pesticide contamination is wide-spread. More than 90% of pollen samples from bee hives in agricultural landscapes and more than 90% of stream samples are contaminated with more than one pesticide.

The primary reason tree care professionals and property owners use pesticides is because of the devastating impact of invasive pests from Europe and Asia. Invasive pests multiply and sometimes completely destroy North American plants species for two reasons: (1) our North American plants may lack natural defenses (resistance) to invasive pests from Europe or Asia, and (2) invasive pest populations may build rapidly because we do not have the right predators and parasitoids to control them as in their native habitat.

Safe Treatment Options That Work

Fortunately, several effective treatment options minimize harm to beneficial insects while controlling tree pests. The following types of products have a minimal impact on beneficial insects. Insecticidal soaps are applied as a foliar application (sprayed on plant leaves) and are effective on a wide range of plant pests when the soap spray comes into contact with the pest. They are not effective on pests as a residue on the plant surface, and therefore are not toxic to pollinators after the spray dries.

Horticultural oil is a term for the various oils used for pest control on plants. Once the oil spray dries, it does not have much effect and becomes safe for pollinators and other beneficial insects. These oils provide excellent control against various pests including scales, aphids, and spider mites.

Another promising option is azadirachtin, derived from neem tree seeds. Azadirachtin must be ingested to be toxic and, when applied as a foliar spray, has short residual activity, making it unlikely bees and other pollinators will be affected (no longer toxic after about two hours for bees). Direct contact has shown no effect on worker honey bees.

Critical Timing Considerations

When treatments are necessary, timing becomes everything. Never spray plants in bloom or nearly ready to bloom. It is clear to most people that insecticides sprayed onto open flowers can be highly toxic to bees, even if they are sprayed early in the morning or at night when bees are not present. However, some may not realize insecticides sprayed in the two-week period before a plant flowers can also be toxic to bees.

For systemic treatments, which are absorbed throughout the plant, timing is especially crucial. When using a systemic insecticide on plants that attract bees, do not apply before or during flowering in order to prevent the insecticide from entering pollen and nectar. The fact sheet says to be aware that imidacloprid does affect pollinators adversely. So to minimize this, you should apply the pesticide after the maples are done flowering.

Most bees and other pollinators forage during the day, so if you can spray at night or in the early morning, you can reduce the risk of accidentally spraying them. Professional tree spraying service providers understand these timing requirements and can schedule treatments to minimize pollinator exposure.

Integrated Pest Management: The Sustainable Approach

Reduce or stop using pesticides. Instead, accept some plant damage, build biodiversity and soil health for natural pest control. Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) around the home. Where possible, avoid pest problems in the first place by burying infested plant residues, removing pest habitat, and planting disease and pest-resistant plant varieties. Carefully diagnose your pest problem, and, before you apply a pesticide, make sure the pest population has reached a level where control is necessary.

Make targeted applications. Scout for pests regularly and selectively treat pest problems, avoiding blanket applications to the landscape. Take action while pest numbers are low and manageable in order to use the least amount of pesticide.

Professional Expertise Makes the Difference

Working with certified arborists and plant health care specialists ensures that treatments are applied correctly and at appropriate times. Companies like Jones Tree and Plant Care in Suffolk County exemplify this professional approach. Jones Tree is owned and operated by Thomas Jones – New York State Board Certified Arborist, and member of the Long Island Arborist Association. As a licensed arborist, Jones is committed to providing scientifically based landscape management and delivering quality services.

A total tree and plant care approach will improve growth, condition and curb appeal of your property, all while using environmentally sensitive, affordable treatments. We are committed to excellence, using only the safest and most effective methods tailored to your specific landscape needs.

Creating Pollinator-Friendly Landscapes

Beyond careful pesticide use, property owners can support pollinators by creating habitat. Include multiple habitats for different needs. Use biodiversity as a guide to include a variety of water, protection, sun, flowers, grasses, shrubs and trees. Plant native flowering plant species to support pollinators, choosing species that are naturally resistant to insect pests.

The future of tree care lies in approaches that recognize the interconnectedness of healthy trees and thriving pollinator populations. By choosing treatment methods and timing that protect beneficial insects, property owners can maintain beautiful, healthy landscapes while supporting the pollinators essential to our ecosystems. Professional tree care services that prioritize environmental stewardship offer the expertise needed to navigate these complex decisions, ensuring both immediate pest control and long-term ecological health.