When you need effective, highly selective control of trees and brush, the best solutions are basal applications with Release* in forestry and Garlon* 4 in industrial vegetation situations.

Basal Bark
Basal bark treatments are a targeted application method. That means you greatly reduce the potential for spray drift that may harm susceptible crops and vegetation. Plus, these treatments have low impact on environmentally sensitive or erosion prone areas. And, because they can be used year-round, basal treatments help you employ your crews more efficiently.

Release and Garlon 4 are ideally suited to basal bark application. They readily penetrate the bark into the cambium layer of target plants and translocate throughout the plant system, even to the roots to prevent resprouting. They can be used year round, except when snow or water prevent spraying the treatment zone of target plants.

Dow AgroSciences recommends using ISOPAR M or any high quality isoparaffinic mineral oil as the diluent.

• Canola oil is recommended when daytime temperatures exceed 24°C.
• Diesel fuel is not recommended.

One-sided Low Volume
For trees 8 to 15 cm in diameter, use a low pressure backpack sprayer and narrow angle flat fan nozzles to spray the target stem from a point 30 cm from the ground, down the stem to the ground line. Use a 20 to 30 percent solution, depending on the targeted species.

Streamline
Streamline applications are the fastest basal bark application method to control woody plants. They are especially appropriate for medium to high-density sites where many stems are growing from the original plants. Best results are achieved on young, vigorously growing stems less than 8 cm in basal diameter.

Use a 20 to 30 percent solution (species dependent) and direct the spray 30 to 50 centimeters above ground level. For stems less than 8 cm in basal diameter, spray a band 5 cm wide on one side of each stem. With sufficient volume, the treated zone should widen to encircle the stem within 30 minutes. For larger stems, 8 to 15 cm in diameter, treat both sides to ensure wrap.

A few points to remember while doing basal bark applications:

• -15 degrees Celsius is the lower temperature limit for triclopyr ester (active ingredient in Garlon 4 and Release). Applications made below this temperature will not provide satisfactory results and will plug up your application equipment.
  
  
• A 30% mixture should be used in the dormant season (spring, fall and winter) for ALL species. A 20% rate may be used on some species during the late spring and summer months but certain hard to control species (maple, birch, oak & ash) should always receive the 30% rate.
  
  
• Do not apply to stumps/trees that are wet or that have frost - emulsification will occur and the product will not control the target tree. Apply only when trees and stumps are dry and clear of snow or frost.
  
  
• If the product or the solution is not kept in a heated storage area, ensure that you agitate them prior to mixing or applying.
  
  
• If the solution in your backpack has turned a milky white, an emulsification has occurred (moisture in the tank) and the solution is no longer effective as a basal bark/cut stump solution. Dispose of the "tainted" solution according to the product label.
  
  
• When doing a basal bark application, ensure that you are getting a complete "wrap" around the tree. Certain oils will increase in viscosity in the cooler temperatures and may not move around the stem as easily as they do in the summer.
  
  
• Change diluent from mineral oil to canola oil when temperatures exceed 24°C.