Cambistat

The purpose of this section is to outline some of the fundamental requirements for TGR
integration. Those of you who already use tree growth regulators in your vegetation management
system are already familiar with the following steps.

1. Identify Where TGRs Can be Effective
Not all trees need a TGR. A few of the common cycle busters are elms, maples, ash, or any other species that grows rapidly after trimming. Trees that reduce efficiency in your pruning cycle should be considered for a TGR application.

2. Identify Costs
It will be necessary to compare the cost of Cambistat application to pruning. Keep in mind the cost of pruning includes disposal of biomass, equipment repair and maintenance, travel time and man-hours. Use the RTSA worksheets and program aids to help determine costs.

3. Getting Started
Including TGR’s in the budgeting process is unique to the individual utility, however a common way to get started with Cambistat is to test performance on a limited, although sufficient quantity of trees. The test allows for identification of procedures and evaluation to determine if cost and performance
expectations are being met or need to be adjusted. Another possibility is to work with specific tree species and then add species as budget and performance permit.

4. Systematize Application Information
Once you have decided to use Cambistat in your vegetation management system, it is necessary to communicate the requirements to the application personnel. Make sure your applicators understand your objective. Are you targeting specific tree species, specific locations, or special customer issues? Also make sure all applicable information is properly recorded during field operation. You will need addresses, species, product to be used and application amount, similar to herbicide records. This information is needed for either internal or contracted personnel.

5. Application
Application can be contracted with an outside service organization, such as a line clearance company or licensed herbicide applicator. Internal licensed personnel can also be trained to apply Cambistat. Ask to see the RTSA Application Certification program.

6. Evaluation
In order to properly evaluate the impact of Cambistat, you will need to have an idea of normal growth of the species you treated. Also, what has it cost you in the past to trim a tree and/or circuit. Once this data is available, you can compare the cost difference after Cambistat has been used.