Chemical Management
         
  Using Chemicals      
 

Use of chemicals during forestry activities can have considerable benefit. Chemical management refers to the use of chemicals such as pesticides (herbicides, rodenticides, insecticides, fungicides, etc.), petrochemicals (oil, gasoline, diesel), antifreeze, fire retardants and fertilizers for forest management.

In some cases, the use of chemicals is nearly unavoidable, such as the use of petrochemicals and antifreeze in vehicles and machinery. However, most chemicals have a potentially great impact on water quality and aquatic organisms if they are misused, misapplied or spilled.

  

Be sure to remove all empty chemical containers from the site for proper disposal.

 
 
 
Other Points to Consider
Forest chemicals, when applied correctly, can be a useful management tool for landowners. Chemicals are sometimes used in the forest to:
  • Control insects and diseases
  • Prepare sites for planting
  • Fertilize trees to improve growth
  • Maintain forest road rights-of-way
  • Control noxious weeds
  • Control competing vegetation
  • Minimize wildlife damage

Many chemicals can be toxic and must be handled carefully. Properly applied forest chemicals can help you achieve desired benefits without putting water, soil, fish, wildlife or humans at risk.

 
Read and Follow Label Directions
By following a few straightforward guidelines, you can use chemicals in an environmentally sensitive manner. Chemical labels are often updated from year to year, so it is important to always read the label carefully. In fact, the law requires you to read and follow label directions for:
  • Storage
  • Loading and mixing
  • Cleaning
  • Emergency spills
  • Worker protection standards
  • Transportation
  • Application
  • Removal of containers
  • Disposal
   
 
 
When is it Too Windy to Apply Chemicals?
It is recommended that chemicals be applied when wind speed is less than 5 mph. Also, use drift control agents as directed by label instructions. The following chart is provided to assist you with estimating wind speed:
Wind Speed Observable Features
Less than 1 mph Smoke rises vertically; no foliage movement.
1-3 mph Foliage and small twigs sway very gently; grass and weeds sway and bend.
4-7 mph Small trees in open sway gently; loose scraps of paper move, flags flutter; you
feel a slight breeze on your face.
   
 
 
Consider:
  • Whether applying forest chemicals by hand, power equipment or air, precautions need to be taken to protect water.
  • Pesticides and fertilizers entering water can harm fish and other aquatic organisms.
  • Regardless of the application technique used, you should keep chemicals out of the water.