When Should I Spray My Fruit Trees?

Do you wish to spray your trees with dormant spray (controls insects like mites, aphids, and scales as well as diseases like powdery mildew)?

Do you wish to spray your trees with fungicidal spray (controls most fungal diseases like scab and brown rot)?

Do you wish to spray your trees with insecticidal spray (controls most fruit tree pests)?

Do you wish to spray your trees with fertilizer spray?

Dormant oil is also called horticultural spray. Spray dormant oil on your tree during late winter or early spring, before the tree starts to produce new leaves or flower buds. The exact timing depends on your climate zone: in more northerly states, spray dormant oil in February or March. In more southerly regions, spray earlier in the year, depending on when you have noticed your tree developing foliage in previous years. Dormant oils can cause damage to trees if you use them when the temperature drops below 40 degrees F, so check the weather for the next week before using these oils.

Spray your fruit tree twice with either a natural sulfur-based fungicidal spray or a spray made from chemicals. First, spray when the flower buds first begin to develop in early spring. When the buds grow larger and swell, but before they open, spray again. This lapse of time is normally 10 to 14 days. Always thoroughly saturate your tree with the spray you have chosen and follow label instructions for effectiveness and safety. General-purpose fungicides should always be used when the daytime temperatures are steadily around 60 degrees F.

Use insecticidal spray when the flower petals fall to take care of most fruit tree pests. The only exception to this rule for home use is probably the codling moth. To take care of this common insect, spray the trees again two weeks after the petals fall, and one final time in the middle of summer to take care of the second generation of moths that often arrives.

When your fruit tree is healthy, it is better able to resist diseases and insect attacks. In addition to the granular or liquid fertilizer you give your tree, annual foliar spraying of compost tea can boost your tree's health. Mix 1 quart of organic compost in 5 gallons of water and stir the mixture every day for one week. Strain it and then spray in early spring, when your tree begins to develop leaves or flower buds.

While your tree is blooming, watch closely for signs of petals dropping. When about 90 percent of the petals have fallen spray your tree with a general-purpose spray to control both diseases and insects. Spray with the same product again one week later, taking care to completely cover both the upper and undersides of all leaves. No matter what type of spray you’re using on your fruit trees, take care to never use them just when the blooms are opening. This will avoid damaging the bees that are so important for pollination and fruit development.