Dormant Spray!

Prune out branches and shape trees and bushes before the blooms and foilage appear!

It's time to apply that oily based dormant spray to fruit trees and deciduous shrubs....they suffocate any eggs that are waiting to hatch. Dormant oil spraying should be done on a clear day when there is little or no breeze. The ideal temperature for application is between 40° and 70° F., preferably temperatures should remain over 50° F. for at least twenty four hours in order to get the oil to spread out over the tree and cover all crooks and crevices. Complete coverage is required for effective control of all overwintering pests. Apply this spray under pressure with a pump sprayer, or with a hose- end sprayer two times; when all of the leaves have fallen (late November or early December), and again in early February before buds begin to swell. In some instances, gardeners are successful with only one application during the period of early December through late January. But if the infestation or disease was very bad during the previous season, two sprayings would be the best bet.

• Always wear a mask when spraying your plants with chemicals.
• These products should never be used on evergreens because they are much too strong and caustic, and can cause damage.
• The use of a dormant oil mixture may destroy many annual flowers growing under or near plants being treated. Completely cover such tender vegetation BEFORE spraying.
• Fungus spores can also overwinter on fallen leaves. Be sure to rake and dispose of leaves if you know you have a disease problem.