Cambistat

Helping Urban Trees

It is no surprise to anyone who works with urban trees that the urban environment is the most stressful situation one could possibly grow a tree in. With limited root zones, limited canopy space, compacted soils, underground utilities, and competing vegetation an urban tree is unlikely to ever live as long as it would in its native environment. Trees growing in tough situations like parking lots, alongside highways, and new construction sites can benefit from Cambistat’s effects. Cambistat is not, however, a magic bullet that will solve all urban tree problems. It is important to determine the source of the stress and alleviate that as best as possible. If used properly, Cambistat can be one of the tools to do this.

Injured roots in the urban environment may be the most common cause of urban tree decline. Problems include soil compaction (before and after planting), root severing, poor drainage, and drought. Cambistat is best used when applied as a pre-stress conditioner. Cambistat puts the tree in a more conservative mode by reducing water needs, slowing top growth, and redirecting energy to fibrous root production. A tree with a root-to-shoot ratio weighted towards the roots will have greater stability during the stress and a greater likelihood of long term survival. If the damage has already occurred it is best to try and alleviate the stress (such as soil replacement therapy) and stabilize the tree to prevent further decline. Not all tress may be savable if the damage is severe. Cambistat should be used in conjunction with other cultural practices to get the best results.