Technical Advice
When to Paint Trees
Shipping Considerations
Colorant Mix Ratio and Coverage
Needle Stick Mix Ratio, Coverage, and Application
Colorant Drying Time
Surfactant/Spreader Use
Weather
Spraying Pressure
Equipment Cleaning
When to Paint Trees
Trees should be painted before they turn yellow, and before temperatures fall below 40°F, but after needle growth is complete.
Painting before needle growth is complete causes the needles to grow out of the paint, leaving them unprotected. The unprotected tips are then prone to yellowing.
If the trees are painted too late, after they have turned color, it may not be practical or possible to apply enough paint to thoroughly cover the yellowing.
Prior to painting trees in the morning, allow the dew to dry.
In Michigan, early September is the best painting period. By late September, windy weather begins to limit the number of good spraying days. By October, there is a greater risk that temperatures will be below the 40°F minimum temperature required for painting.
Shipping Considerations
When shipping paints later than September, we must ship products at the beginning of the week to prevent paint from freezing on trucks over the weekends.
Colorant Mix Ratio and Coverage
The number of trees effectively covered per gallon of undiluted tree colorant will vary according to the following factors:
- Type and species of trees
- Size of trees
- Degree of yellowing of trees
- Tree colorant mix ratio
- Type of spray equipment
- Method of spraying
- Time of year
- Weather conditions during spraying and immediately after spraying
Luster Green Colorant — Under normal conditions, growers can expect to cover 45 to 60 trees per gallon of Luster Green. The recommended mix ratio is 30 parts water to 1 part colorant (30:1), depending on conditions and color desired.
Royal Evergreen Colorant — Under normal conditions, growers can expect to cover 45 to 60 trees per gallon of Royal Evergreen. The recommended mix ratio is 30 parts water to 1 part colorant (30:1). Under extreme conditions, a mix of 20:1 may be required.
Mix Ratio and Coverage
| Tree Colorant | Mix Ratio (Water:Colorant) | Trees per Gallon |
|---|---|---|
| Luster Green | 30:1 | 45-60 |
| Evergreen * | 30:1 | 45-60 |
Mix ratios may need to be adjusted depending on the strain of tree, severity of yellowing, and individual color preference.
*Note: When using Royal Evergreen to cover severe yellowing, use a mix ratio of 20:1.
Gallons of Colorant Needed for Number of Trees
| Number of Trees | Gallons of Luster Green | Gallons of Luster Green Concentrate | Gallons of Royal Evergreen |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | 8-11 | 4-6 | 8-11 |
| 1,000 | 16-23 | 8-12 | 16-23 |
| 1,500 | 25-34 | 13-17 | 25-34 |
| 2,500 | 42-56 | 21-28 | 42-56 |
| 3,000 | 60-67 | 25-34 | 50-67 |
| 5,000 | 83-112 | 42-56 | 83-112 |
| 7,500 | 125-167 | 63-84 | 125-167 |
| 10,000 | 167-223 | 84-112 | 167-223 |
| 15,000 | 250-334 | 125-167 | 250-334 |
| 30,000 | 500-667 | 252-336 | 500-667 |
| 50,000 | 834-1,112 | 417-556 | 834-1,112 |
| 75,000 | 1,250-1,667 | 625-834 | 1.250-1,667 |
| 100,000 | 2,223 | 834-1,112 | 2,223 |
Needle Stick Mix Ratio, Coverage, and Application
To increase the retention of needles on unpainted trees, mix one gallon of Needle Stick adhesive in five gallons of water (5:1) and apply. The concentration can be adjusted to suit your needs and preferences.
| Mix Ratio (Water:Needle Stick) | Trees per Gallon | |
|---|---|---|
| Stick | 5:1 | 10-15 |
Needle stick may be sprayed on trees that have already been colored; it will impart a glossy look.
Growers may expect to cover 10 to 15 trees per gallon of Needle Stick. Agitate the mixture while spraying to discourage settling.
Deer repellent may also be applied with Needle Stick.
Needle Stick will last through the winter, while allowing new growth to appear.
Colorant Drying Time
Colorant needs approximately 30 minutes to dry.
Surfactant/Spreader Use
Surfactants, such as ordinary dish detergents or agricultural spreaders, are used to prevent uneven coloring that can be caused by irregular droplets in the spraying pattern that don't appear until the paint dries. Surfactants, or spreaders, make the paint spread without diluting it.
Determining the correct amount of surfactants to use can be difficult, as small increases can have unexpected results. Normally, one-half cup of surfactant per 100 gallons of mix is a good ratio. Start with a smaller amount than that and add surfactant gradually until you achieve the desired effect.
Surfactants can reduce drying times to between one and twelve hours, depending on climate conditions.
It is important to allow drying time before rain or dew is expected. If the paint is not fully cured, rain will wash off the paint and dew can cause the pigment to clump.
Follow manufacturer's directions when using surfactant/spreader.
Weather
It is best not to spray in humid, rainy, or foggy conditions. If needles are wet when sprayed with colorant, the colorant will not dry.
Spraying Pressure
Avoid spraying at high pressures, which causes fogging and breakdown of the colorant.
Equipment Cleaning
Clean equipment thoroughly with clean water immediately after use. If cleaning the outsides of equipment, use an environmentally friendly cleaner.
