Tree & Plant Growth Regulators in Charlotte, Lake Norman & Asheville

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PLANT GROWTH

Plant Growth Regulators for Tree Health and Size Maintenance

At Heartwood Tree Care, we believe in caring for the whole tree — from the roots to the canopy — and, sometimes, this means slowing a tree’s growth for its own good. We do so with Cambistat, a plant growth regulator (PGR) that is scientifically proven to improve the health of trees.

As Cambistat gently slows tree growth, it allows the tree to redirect some of its energy to produce defense chemicals and enhance fibrous root growth. The resulting benefit of the reallocation of energy is improved tree health and durability. With our tree and plant growth regulator services, you can enjoy a green, vibrant tree that is better able to withstand drought, disease, insect activity, and other environmental stressors common in Charlotte, Lake Norman, and Asheville, NC.

Use Growth Regulators to Improve Tree Health for:

Construction injured trees

Declining and older trees

Trees stressed from drought

Trees growing in limited rooting areas

Trees injured by disease or insects

Use Growth Regulators to Control Tree Size for:

Trees too close to houses

Trees near pools, decks, patios, and sidewalks

Trees under power lines

Trees that are blocking scenic views

High-maintenance trees

A Closer Look at the Benefits of the Tree Growth Regulator Cambistat

Growth Reduction

Cambistat is designed to gently and predictably slow the growth of your trees. You can expect a 40-60% reduction in growth over a 3-year period. Cambistat should be reapplied after three years for maintenance.

Higher Tolerance to Insects and Diseases

Research shows that Cambistat makes trees significantly tougher in response to some opportunistic insects and diseases. It does so by thickening the protective barrier of the leaf and increasing the production of defense chemicals.

Improved Drought & Heat Resistance

Drought is a major cause of tree death and decline in the urban landscape. Research shows that Cambistat increases drought resistance by helping the tree to decrease water losses during dry, hot periods.

Root System Enhancement

Research shows that Cambistat increases fine root density. This is important because higher root density increases a tree’s ability to absorb minerals and water. With more access to essential nutrients, the tree is able to produce more energy and survive in stressful situations.

How Plant Growth Regulators Restrict Tree Growth

How exactly do tree growth inhibitors slow down a tree’s growth without harming it? Unlike harsh chemical treatments or drastic pruning, Cambistat works internally to alter the tree’s hormonal balance, shifting energy away from rapid expansion and toward root development and overall resilience.

When applied by Heartwood Tree Care’s ISA-certified arborists, the plant growth regulator is delivered directly to the root zone in a soil drench. The tree absorbs the active ingredient, paclobutrazol, which then moves upward into the canopy. There, it suppresses gibberellin biosynthesis. By reducing the production of the plant hormone gibberellin, Cambistat effectively limits cell expansion and shoot elongation so that the tree focuses instead on developing a strong root structure for enhanced drought resistance and increased defense against diseases and pests.

Problems Associated With Trees That Grow Too Fast or Too Large

Rapid tree growth may seem like a sign of a healthy, thriving landscape, but unchecked expansion can actually lead to serious complications. Below are some of the most common problems associated with trees that grow too quickly or become too large for their environment.

Structural Weakness and Instability

When trees grow too fast, they often sacrifice structural integrity in the process. Rapid elongation can lead to poor branch attachments, narrow angles, and weak limbs that are more susceptible to breaking during high winds or storms.

Excessive Maintenance Needs

Overgrown trees can quickly become high-maintenance. As their branches stretch skyward and outward, they may require more frequent tree pruning to prevent interference with roofs, power lines, gutters, and walkways. In urban and suburban settings, this not only becomes a time-consuming task but also an expensive one. Tree growth management, therefore, is a practical way to reduce the frequency and cost of tree care.

Encroachment on Nearby Structures and Utilities

Fast-growing trees don’t always respect boundaries, and they may extend over fences, patios, or pools. In worst-case scenarios, these large, unstable branches can snap at any moment, leading to costly damage and potential safety hazards.

Increased Vulnerability to Disease and Pests

Trees that grow rapidly often have tissues that are softer and less developed than slower-growing trees. The soft tissues create an inviting environment for fungi, borers, and other common pests. As if that wasn’t concerning enough, the tree’s natural defenses are weaker, as it is dedicating so much energy to rapid shoot growth. One of the best ways to reverse these issues is by slowing down above-ground growth with tree growth regulators from our team in Charlotte, NC.

Competition With Nearby Plants

As trees grow quickly, they may begin to dominate the space around them, casting heavy shade and pulling moisture and nutrients from the soil at an accelerated rate. This can result in unhealthy lawn conditions, underperforming garden beds, or the death of neighboring trees in your orchard. Managing tree growth with plant growth regulator services helps maintain a more balanced ecosystem in your yard.

Could Your Tree Benefit From Plant Growth Regulators? Contact Us Today!

Do you want to extend the life of your beloved oak while keeping it manageable? Are you hoping to reduce the time and money spent on pruning your maple? Is your fruit tree beginning to weaken after years of fast growth? If you answered yes to any of these questions, a tree growth inhibitor may be exactly what your tree needs.

At Heartwood Tree Care, we evaluate trees holistically — considering species, environment, and health history — before recommending plant health care. Once we have a complete picture of your tree’s needs, we use science-backed solutions like Cambistat to support your tree’s long-term health. With decades of experience in tree growth management in Charlotte, Lake Norman, and Asheville, NC, we are able to combine practical expertise with a deep respect for nature to deliver safe, effective solutions that last.

So, contact us today to alleviate the stress your trees and shrubs are experiencing. We’ll work together to help your trees grow stronger — not just taller.

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Charlotte, NC

Lake Norman, NC

Asheville, NC

Mooresville, NC

Huntersville, NC

43 Years in Business

496 EAB Trees Saved

12 Awards & Accreditations

32 Certified Arborists

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