Fruit Tree Mini Series #4 0f 6
Spraying Your Fruit Trees
Why we spray our trees:
-Disease Prevention
-Pest Control
-Nutrient Boost
-Timing: Spraying in spring and winter targets specific stages in the tree's growth cycle.
*I would invest in 1 gallon, 2 gallon, or 4 gallon sprayer depending on number of fruit trees*
Ingredients needed for dormant oil which is used in the winter to help with pest control and limit the spread of diseases:
-Canola Oil
-Baking Soda
-Liquid Kelp
-Dish Soap (Dawn)
-Water
Ingredients needed for holistic spray which is used in spring:
-Neem Oil
-Dish Soap (Dawn)
-BioAG
-Liquid Fish
Spray Schedule:
1st Spring Spray (when buds tips are showing up to ½ inch of green): Cover buds, trunk, branches, and any cracks/crevices in tree structure.
2nd Spring Spray (when colored flower buds emerge): Cover buds, trunk, branches, and any cracks/crevices in tree structure.
3rd Spring Spray (after flower petals fall): Cover leaf canopy and developing fruitlets.
4th Spring Spray (10-14 days after applying the 3rd spray): Cover leaf canopy and developing fruitlets. For fruit producing trees
Fall Spray (apply once in late October to early December): Focus on buds, branches, crevices, cracks, and remaining leaf matter.
*Once your tree is three plus years, add Bt (Thuricide) or Spinosad to the 4th spray as most fruit caterpillars are active now.
How to spray our fruit trees:
-Choose a calm day with little to no wind to minimize drift and ensure even application. Make sure weather is clear on day of spraying and day after.
-Mix together ingredients and place inside sprayer.
-Start spraying from the top of the tree and work downwards to ensure complete coverage, including both upper and lower surfaces of leaves.
-Aim for thorough coverage of all parts of the tree: branches, trunk, and both sides of leaves. Adjust your spraying technique based on the size and shape of the tree.
-Allow the spray to dry completely before watering again.