Herbicide Drift Damage Across Tree Species: Legal and Diagnostic Steps

Two acres surrounded by soybeans. 2 weeks post-herbicide spray: white birches defoliated (green leaves falling), crabapple defoliated, maples black-edged/curled, mature pears/sweetgums/maples similar but less. Red maple curling. 90-95°F during spray. Wet spring blamed by some.

Diagnosis: Herbicide Drift

• Diseases don't hit multiple species simultaneously.
• Herbicides affect broad range.
• Wet spring wouldn't synchronize symptoms across species.
• Drift pattern: worse on field-facing side.
• High temp = faster foliar damage.
• Ground vs. aerial application affects drift distance.

Action Plan

1. Contact farmer → get applicator name.
2. Contact state pesticide certification agency — applicators must be certified.
3. Contact State Forestry agency for forester inspection.
4. Document everything.