Cambistat
for greener, healthier, lower maintenance trees
| Product |
Item# |
Size |
Case |
| Cambistat 2SC |
3102 |
2 liter (2000ml) |
4 bottles |
| Cambistat 2SC |
3101 |
gallon (3785ml) |
4 bottles |
Product Overview:
Research shows that Cambistat gently slows the growth of trees, allowing the tree to redirect some of its energy from canopy growth to defense chemicals, fibrous root production, and stored energy. The reallocation of energy makes the tree healthier and more durable.
Cambistat is scientifically proven to improve the health of trees. You will see greener leaves, less insect and disease injury, and your trees will be better able to withstand drought.

Mode of Action / How Product Works:
Cambistat is absorbed by the roots and transported in the xylem to the growing points where it blocks formation of the hormone gibberellic acid. Gibberellic acid is responsible for cell elongation, and it is produced through a series of reactions in the isoprenoid pathway. When gibberellic acid formation is inhibited by Cambistat, the tree responds with a reduction in vegetative growth. Many species display a 40-60% reduction over a three year time period with one application.
Application Method:
Cambistat is applied to the soil/trunk interface by digging a small trench or soil injection. The use of nonionic surfactants is optional and can be helpful in soils that have difficulty in absorbing water.
Application Timing:
Cambistat may be applied when the soil is not frozen or saturated.
[more application information]
Why Use Cambistat?
For trees growing in challenging sites, reducing growth can significantly improve their ability to manage resources. Cambistat reduces canopy growth 40% to 60% over 3 years allowing the tree to redirect energy to fibrous root production, defense chemicals, and other uses. |
How long does Cambistat last?
You will receive three years of benefits from one treatment of Cambistat. To maintain size you should re-treat every three years. In southern states re-treatment may be needed sooner. |
Reduce Growth
Species differ in sensitivity to Cambistat, but vegetative growth is generally reduced by 40-60% over a three-year period from one treatment. Growth reduction within the first year of treatment may not be as noticeable as in subsequent years. [read more]
Root System Enhancement
Research has shown Cambistat increases the fine root density in species like oaks, elms, and lindens. This results from the re-allocation of carbohydrates from the canopy that are not needed for vegetative growth.
[read more]
Improved Drought Tolerance
Drought is a major cause of tree death and decline in the urban landscape. Research shows Cambistat increases drought resistance by helping the tree reduce water losses during dry, hot periods.
[read more]
Higher Tolerance to Stress and Disease
Cambistat changes some important physical traits of leaves. Leaves of treated trees are thicker than untreated trees, stomatal guard cells are closed more often, and they have thicker cuticles with more leaf hairs (trichomes).
[read more]
How Much Product do I Need?
| |
Rate Category |
| |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
| DBH inches per 2-liter bottle |
317 |
241 |
192 |
174 |
160 |
120 |
| Sample tree |
Linden |
Elm |
Horse chestnut |
Buckeye |
Oak |
Birch |
Some species are sensitive and require relatively little Cambistat for growth regulation, while others are tolerant and require more. The table to the right shows how many DBH inches a 2-liter bottle of Cambistat treats for different types of trees. Consult the rate card to determine how much Cambistat to apply per tree. |
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Please contact us for information on where to purchase Cambistat. |
Plant Growth Regulator
Active Ingredient:
Paclobutrazol
EPA Signal Word:
Caution |
Convenient
pour spout >>>
Cambistat is a new generation tree growth regulator with superior formulation. |
Situations for Use
| Cambistat has a broad range of uses from slowing the growth of a tree planted too close to a house to being a component of a comprehensive management program to rehabilitate an injured root system. |
Growth Control
trees too close to houses
trees near pools, decks,patios and sidewalks
trees under powerlines
blocked scenic views
high maintenance trees
Health Benefits
construction injured trees
declining and older trees
trees stressed from drought
trees growing in limited rooting area
injury caused by disease or insects |
|
Growth reduction on walnut and red oak three years afterone application |
|
Cambistat enhances the production and development of fibrous roots as shown here three years after treatment. |


Electron microscope photos of treated and untreated oak leaves.
courtesy of Qi, Knighten and Chaney |
| For more information about Cambistat, please visit our full Cambistat area. |
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