About Spraying Fruit Trees After Pruning

There is always concern with novice gardeners about spraying fruit trees during the wrong time, particularly when pruning. This need not be a worry, though, if you follow these suggestions. Remember, pruning and spraying are both very important steps toward growing a fruit tree that continues to produce year after year.

Misconceptions

There are many amateur gardeners who believe spraying fruit trees after pruning is not always necessary. However, horticulturists and other professional gardeners keep this task on their list of recommendations in order to receive good results with fruit trees.

Significance

Sprays are a good preventative measure, as well as a safeguard against pests and disease. A good spray routine should be in place even when no pruning is done. Ask a nursery or garden center employee for specifics about spray routines for the types of trees on your property.

Time Frame

The first spraying of the year should happen in early spring, once the fruit tree's buds start forming and becoming larger. When the fruit tree's blossoms begin to fall, you should spray again. Two weeks following this, another routine spraying should occur as a preventative application.

Identification

The type of fruit being grown on the tree will determine how often the tree should be sprayed after pruning. For example, nectarines and peaches should be sprayed once per week after pruning, from the time the buds appear until the fruit tree's leaves are showing. It is best to ask when the tree is being purchased.

Benefits

Spray newly pruned trees that day or, if that is not possible, before the next rainfall. This will prevent the tree from going into shock or picking up disease.

Types

Good preventative measures against pests are essential to the health of the tree. White oil may be sprayed on fruit trees after pruning to prevent insect infestation from becoming a problem over the winter.

Features

It is always good to spray what is called a "dormant" spray after pruning to seal wounds and disinfect cuts before the next year's growth begins. Dormant sprays are chemicals developed as a measure to control pests and diseases. Typically, this spray routine occurs in the spring before the buds start showing, and again once the leaves begin to appear.

Resources

• About Spraying Fruit Trees