Technical Services Topic:
Gearing Up for the Spray Season

 

Spring is here and it won't be long before the leaves are all out. The substation (bare ground) season has begun and the foliage spray season is just around the corner. Are you ready to make it a big success?
Over 80% of Asplundh management regions provide herbicide application services to their customers. From stump treatments under distribution lines to high-volume foliar applications on transmission rights-of-way, Asplundh crews throughout North America and overseas provide a valuable service. Success in controlling vegetation and making the customer happy depends on preparedness.

Arborchem Products Division Manager Dave Krause (tan jacket) discusses the proper calibration of a Radiarc sprayer mounted on a small skidder to assure an effective off-road application. He conducts dozens of herbicide training sessions like this one, which was held last May for Asplundh Brush Control Co. crews under Manager Mike Gordon and representatives from AEP, PSI/Cinergy and Indianapolis Power & Light in Indiana.

"It all boils down to making sure you have enough trained and certified people, the right equipment in good condition, and sufficient products to start the job," says Dave Krause, Arborchem Products Division Manager.
Dave, who maintains an office and warehouse facility in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania (1-800-503-9482), has been affiliated with Asplundh for 25 years. With the help of Supervisors Joe Lentz in eastern Pennsylvania, Josh Reynolds in Alabama, and Shop Supervisor Jim Wilfong in Mechanicsburg, the Arborchem team is an invaluable resource to Asplundh's field managers, crews and customers. They supply the herbicides, adjuvants, application equipment and most importantly, field support, to ensure that the work is done efficiently and safely.
Since January, Dave, Joe and Josh have conducted more than 20 annual training sessions for our spray crews and customers throughout the country and many more lie ahead. This training gives our employees the credit hours they need to maintain their herbicide licenses, as well as practical information for safety and efficiency. This is critical since most state laws require applicators to be certified. If an employee can't attend a session, videotapes can be provided for home study credits.
The training sessions explain such things as OSHA requirements, job specifications, customer relations and safety, but they also provide an excellent opportunity to discuss new products, equipment and application techniques.

Shown here operating a backpack sprayer to demonstrate the use of the ultra-low-volume Thinvert application system is Arborchem Supervisor Joe Lentz. He and Supervisor Josh Reynolds are often on the road conducting training or providing hands-on instruction such as this to make sure Asplundh crews apply herbicides efficiently and safely. The Arborchem team is always available to Asplundh field personnel and customers for advice and presentations.

Speaking of equipment, now is the time to make sure you have the right trucks, tanks, backpack sprayers, and parts. They also need to be checked to make any necessary repairs and to ensure they are in good working condition. Managers can contact the Asplundh Equipment Dept. in Willow Grove or other Asplundh managers to locate available spray trucks. The Arborchem office in Mechanicsburg is the place to call for backpack sprayers, parts and advice.
Last but not least, you have to order the right amount of herbicide to make sure you have enough, but not too much, or you will have leftover product to be stored until the next season. Once again, Dave can provide the latest information on pricing, freight and delivery. He and his supervisors are always available to answer any questions about formulations or how to modify applications or product combinations to control problem trees or weed species.
The Arborchem team's objective is to increase crew productivity, which results in savings to our customers. Dave and his staff are always eager to provide presentations on integrated vegetation management and demonstrations of the latest innovations in herbicide application technology.
So don't forget, for a successful spray season you must start early to get the right personnel, equipment and herbicides all lined up-and call Arborchem for advice from start to finish.
Visit www.arborchem.com as a resource for labels, MSDSs and more information on parts and equipment.

 

-More-