Be aware that once you purchase that spray rig, you have invited a devil to perch on your shoulder. Only the most ethical, responsible, and well-intentioned arborist will be able to resist the cajolery of this devil. You and your new devil will engage in a constant struggle between your ethics, and his bottom dollar.
You start with such PHC interventions as BT, Dimilin, insecticidal and horticultural oil sprays, etc. The problem with these measures is they tend to be more subtle in how they manage tree pests. They work, but other, more toxic pesticides work better, and the client sees this. And nothing impresses the client than a great “knockdown effect.” So why bother using an environmentally friendly pesticide like BT on Gypsy Moth instars, when, much to the approbation of the client, you can just zap ‘em dead with a pyrethrum spray? After all, you’re just spraying one little cranny in one little corner of your client base? No major harm done, right?
The devil, of course, agrees. He has no reason to think long term, or globally; he’s just concerned about one thing – his bottom line.
I think too many tree care companies engage in faux PHC. Yes, they call it “PHC,” but it really isn’t at all. The truth is, too many salespeople for tree care companies sell PHC based more on the bottom dollar than on the wider consideration of their potential environmental consequences. And why shouldn’t they? Their income is usually based on a percentage of what they sell, and it’s no secret that sprays are cash cows.
But money can still be made with a sound, responsible PHC approach, though it takes work to sell it. The client simply has to be educated properly.
Wait a minute! This is Stumper asking about a spray rig! I can't picture the Stumper saying "the devil made me do it!"
-Chuck, once a mosquito sprayer (in the guise of a "tick" sprayer)
