A PSHB treatment for the trees
CRAIGHALL PARK – The Garden Shed at REEA hosted a talk about tree health and solutions to PSHB.
The tale of the pesky beetle, the polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB), continues but this time with some solutions. At a talk hosted by the Garden Shed at Rand Epileptic Employment Agency (REEA) in Craighall Park, the Rosebank Killarney Gazette got the scoop on a new eco-friendly product – biodynamic tree paste.
On 26 February, tree health expert Matthew Keulemans explained the reasons why we should consider using this paste.
“The tree paste is used to protect trees from wintering pests so they don’t nest and damage trees. It protects the bark and acts as a physical barrier. Apart from that, it also suppresses detrimental fungal growth on limbs and fresh cuts. Enlivening the inner workings of the tree, this increases vitality, yielding positive results,” he said.
If the paste is properly made and applied it acts as a life-enhancing stimulus from the outside which makes the tree healthier.
Keulemans demonstrated this in a step-by-step guide to the application.
Starting off with removing some of the damaged and falling barks to ensure the paste is directly applied to the cambium (the inner layer of the tree under the bark) so that the tree can absorb it. Keulemans mentioned that while this isn’t a cure, it is still a better alternative to chemical-based sprays and pesticides.
“The tree is then sprayed with an essential oil combination. To apply the paste, a simple block brush is used to brush it on from the root crown up to a metre of the tree trunk. This allows the tree to get as many minerals from the paste as possible to get healthy again.”
It creates a barrier of protection from the beetles, resulting in healthier trees and saving our trees.
“Application of the paste can be done two to three times a season; it can be applied in winter so that in summer the tree can draw all the minerals. It is thick and mixed to stay on for as long as possible.”
He added that application may vary depending on size.
“The tree paste drills toxins out of the tree. When the paste is applied, it physically covers the crevices and cracks.
Over the season it will make the trees a lot smoother. The paste benefits the tree as it boosts its immunity.”
If you would like to learn more, visit the Garden Shed at REEA – they will be holding a number of workshops in aid of their outdoor venue renovations. Donate to the cause and learn more about the environment.
For more information or to place an order, contact the Garden Shed at REEA via their Facebook page.
