Trees are prone to many pests and diseases that endanger their safety and health. Fruit trees are especially susceptible to diseases and pests that reduce fruit production and damage trees. Tree professionals diagnose the trouble and provide treatment, often through spraying.
Why It’s Important To Spray Fruit Trees
There are many reasons why spraying fruit trees is crucial.
- To control pests: Spraying in late winter/early spring helps control pests (coddling moths, apple maggots, mites, scale insects, aphids, etc.).
- To prevent diseases: Spraying helps prevent diseases (powdery mildew, apple scab, fire blight, etc.).
- To sustain tree health: Spraying helps support tree health through the seasons.
- To prevent premature fruit drop: Spraying helps prevent unwanted fruit drop.
- To improve fruit quality: Spraying supports the development of quality fruit.
- To increase yield: Healthy trees produce more fruit.
- To extend tree life: Habitual spraying extends the vitality and life of fruit trees.
Signs It’s Time To Spray Your Fruit Trees
Common indicators that it’s time to spray your fruit trees include:
- Signs of chewing on the leaves
- White spots on the tree
- Holes in the bark
- White masses that are cotton-like
- Spots on the foliage
- Sticky excretion on the tree
- Stunted growth
- Discoloration of leaves
The Right Time To Spray Your Fruit Trees
Spraying your fruit trees is important for disease prevention and reduction of insect damage. Knowing when to use spray, the right conditions, and the best timing is critical. The type of spray you utilize determines the optimal timing.
- Dormant spray is best utilized during mild winter days (no less than 4 degrees Celsius) or early in the spring. This spray is made from cottonseed or mineral oil that smothers insects (aphids, mealybugs, mites, whiteflies, scale, thrips, caterpillar eggs, adelgids, leafhoppers, etc.) and treats some diseases (pear scab, powdery mildew, apple scab, bacterial blight, peach leaf curl, fire blight, nectria canker).
- Fungicide is best used before bud break or leaf opening. The temperature should be approximately 15 degrees Celcius and trees should be sprayed twice, once before bud break and again two weeks later.
- Combination spraying refers to spraying different substances at different times. You can spray for some insects and diseases after the petals fall and for others in the middle of the summer.
How One Man And A Ladybug Can Help
Shrubs and trees add beauty and value to your home. Keeping bugs off aids in the health and appearance of your trees. One Man & A Ladybug utilizes environmentally friendly tree spraying. Healthy trees contribute to a healthy environment. Contact us to care for your shrubs and trees. We’ll inspect your trees and provide appropriate treatments for your landscape.
