Orchards and backyard gardens face a constant, silent threat during the coldest months of the year. Understanding the Science Behind Dormant Spraying The name is literal; this treatment is applied when the tree is fully dormant, typically between late fall and early spring before bud swell.
Dormant Oil Spray Mixing Ratio Guide for Optimal Winter Protection
The ideal window is when the temperature has been consistently below freezing at night but above freezing during the day for several weeks. When the highly refined, lightweight oil is mixed with water and applied, it coats the branches, twigs, and buds.
Dormant oil targets overwintering pests, but it can also affect ladybugs, lacewings, and other helpful bugs if applied to their hibernation sites, such as leaf litter or stone walls near the orchard. Scale insects, which appear as bumps on branches and are a major problem on apples and pears, are often controlled most efficiently during the dormant phase.
Dormant Oil Spray Mixing Ratio for Fruit Trees
It is also wise to check the forecast, ensuring no rain or freezing temperatures are expected for at least 24 hours after application to allow the treatment to set properly. The spray must reach the undersides of limbs, into nooks and crannies, and around the buds where pests hide.
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