Dormant Oil: October Landscape Maintenance

DORMANT OIL APPLICATION:

Welcome to Fall!  It’s time to spray your trees with dormant oil.  Dormant oil protects your ornamental trees, shade and fruit trees by placing a protective coating on the surface smoothering out any insect larvae that can hatch in the spring and do damage to your plants. Dormant oil is an important tool to manage certain pest problems such as scales, aphids, whiteflies, caterpillars and mites during the winter while your plants are dormant.

 

WHEN TO APPLY:

Spraying of dormant oil should occur on a clear day when the temperatures are expected to remain over 50 degrees F. for at least twenty-four hours. The ideal temperatures for application is between 40 and 70 degrees F.

 

WHAT INSECTS ARE CONTROLLED BY OIL?
Aphids
Tent Caterpillars
Scale

Spider Mites
Leafhoppers
Whiteflies

Mealy Bugs

 

PRECAUTIONS:
Always read directions before application.  Avoid using on plants that are oil-sensitive.

 

SOME PLANTS KNOWN TO BE OIL SENSITIVE:  (Read Directions on Bottle)

Cryptomeria

Junipers

Weeping Japanese Maple

Eastern Redbud

Dwarf Alberta Spruce

Black Walnut

Douglas Fir

Hickories
Smoke Tree

 

Having a regular spray program with proper care of your plants will increase the long-term health and vitality of your landscape and possibly eliminate any major damage due to invasive insects.  Happy Gardening!

 

Author: Lee@Landscape Design By Lee, 2013, All Rights Reserved