How To Make DIY Organic Pest Spray For Your Fruit Trees!

In this video I will explain how to formulate and apply your own dormant oil spray for fruit trees.
The goal, with properly applied dormant oil spray, is that the fruit tree is rendered free of harmful bugs as well as their eggs and fungal spores.
This recipe has been proven for me on the following fruit trees: crabapple, apple, plum, pear, quince & currants.
There are optimal time windows to apply the spray, I’ll explain what needs to happen BEFORE and AFTER the application so that you can be sure your timing is right on!
For each gallon (~4 liters) of water you add these 3 ingredients:
1 cup veg oil
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 tablespoon pure castile soap

[@irenemackenzie3232]

thanks Stacey, was just going to order a kit but will use your method instead. Kudos to your efforts to slowly change us to appreciate nature more.

[@SustainableStace]

Fantastic Irene. I'm glad that was helpful!

[@70sfred1]

I love that this is organic and a win-win situation!

[@SustainableStace]

I'm glad you like it! Me too

[@user-en2lr7jv2g]

I appreciate very much the great recommendation to be save n get read of bags n fungus from our fruit trees ,I'm glad you are sharing, hope a lot of people will be very helpful ,thanks

[@tinytexasgarden9420]

Interesting. Sounds like you are using vegetable oil the same way that many would use Neem oil. Thanks for sharing. 💜

[@ShellyWason]

Thanks so much, Stacey, this was exactly what I needed. I've been intimidated by the whole idea of spraying my apple trees, but this diy organic solution makes it so accessible. Got the job done this morning!

[@ShellyWason]

I do the sticky wrap around the trunks in the autumn, which has decreased the leaf and blossom destruction, but looking forward to seeing the benefits of this spray as well.

[@SustainableStace]

Well done Shelly - I'm glad this was helpful for you! May your trees be fruitful :)

[@susannelson9752]

my apple trees are being eaten by something the leaves are going brown and dying what can I spray on the leaves to stop the insect or fungus that has formed? have you used neem oil and what was your experience compared to veggie oil?

[@rahilaa.s5544]

Do you have uptates with this ? 😃

[@veronicadeevers3246]

Thanks! I'm really new to having an apple tree. Need to do a lot of pruning this fall.

[@SustainableStace]

You're welcome Veronica. Good luck with the new apple tree!

[@karynage7329]

Thanks. Sounds like a great dormant spray recipe

[@SustainableStace]

You're welcome - good luck with it !

[@firozahossen8307]

Thank you stay blessed very well explained

[@SustainableStace]

You're welcome Firoza - and blessings to you as well.

[@subbashpatel9615]

Thank you for sharing. Going to use on my fruit trees this year. Will give you feed back on how this went may be in year.

[@SustainableStace]

Sounds great!

[@nicolenapolitano5200]

@subbashpatel9615 update?? Did this work for you?

[@nazgulkardar1235]

Thanks for the good advise.

[@SustainableStace]

You're welcome Nazgul!

[@rrbb36]

Perfect! And luckily I have all the ingredients already on hand. But I think I’ll stand UPWIND rather than “downwind” as you suggest [5:20] 😂 😘

[@SustainableStace]

ha! Yeah, that sounds a bit more thoughtful.

[@williefinley1418]

Great Video, I am on it. Thank You

[@SustainableStace]

Hi Willie - I'm glad it helped!

[@thevic8400]

Great Vid. Does this work on the leaves that have spots on them already? I just planted my first tree...so I'm new to this. Appreciate the help.

[@sekaf4125]

Love the video. I live in southeast Alaska and my trees have a lot of moss, lichen. Can I add something else to that so I can take care of that as well? Thanks again for your well done video

[@SustainableStace]

That's a great question! I also have moss on the trunks of my older fruit trees. My initial answer is "i'm not sure" not super inspiring right?! The concern I have is that something which kills one plant (moss or lichen) will very likely have negative effect on the fruit tree as well. Detergent (laundry) diluted in water and sprayed on would very likely kill the moss but I'm not sure of the effect on the environment nor the tree hosting the moss. If you come across a miracle solution - can you please message me back and let me know what you find?

[@kami1284]

Great info. Love that you tell us why we need to use things in your videos. My questions that I need addressed are: How often do you spay this? What about after the leaves appear, what do you use then? What do you do when the fruit appears? Hopefully you have videos on the way that will cover these topics. Thanks

[@SustainableStace]

I usually only spray once. The window that's suitable doesn't usually allow for more than twice in a season. I don't spray any further in the season. Pests will vary place to place and people who wish to spray may need something quite specific. It could also be quite hazardous to the environment/fruit safety when sprays are applied and all of nature is alive and buzzing so I avoid it. When the fruit appears, I thin it (removing excess numbers ) so that a few fruits per site will have ample space to grow full size. wishing you well :)

[@preshussunshine]

Thank for this information, I have 23 trees to spray so this is perfect

[@SustainableStace]

Wow - you've got your own piece of orchard heaven. I'm glad it was helpful!

[@preshussunshine]

Thank You, this information was very helpful@@SustainableStace

[@DeeB17]

Great video thank you!

[@SustainableStace]

I'm glad you liked it Dominic - thanks!

[@clairestile5743]

Than you so much! I just planted new trees and the bugs are all over them already. They are between 4 and 6 feet tall.

[@vikkidestree1637]

Hi! Thank you so much for this homemade spray. I just ordered Casteel soap to get started. How often do I use this spray?

[@SustainableStace]

Application of this spray is meant to be done in a fairly tight time window. When I shared the info, i was thinking only once. However, I can see how doing it twice in a 10 day or two week window would make sense.

[@rebeccaodle]

thank you I would like to try this

[@SustainableStace]

Go for it Becky!

[@rebeccaodle]

@@SustainableStace I made it today!! Trying it out thanks!

[@julesd4765]

Hi, I am new to taking care of fruit trees so I really appreciate your videos! Question about spraying the fruit trees... I just planted some fruit trees last summer so they are pretty small. Do I spray the whole tree or just the bark?

[@SustainableStace]

Hi Jules - it sounds like you are asking if you should spray the trunk only or the branches as well. You should spray the whole tree's bark. On the branches and the trunk b/c the overwintering pests could be anywhere on the tree.

[@jcgirl3]

Thank you for this great tip. Could I use soft soap instead of the Castile soap as well?

[@SustainableStace]

You're welcome and yes you can!

[@tanjagolden5402]

Excellent video… very thorough is this good for tree borers

[@SustainableStace]

Hello Tanja, I don't have tree borers on our fruit trees so I cannot say I know for sure.

[@tanjagolden5402]

@@SustainableStace Thank you for responding. Some utubers don't even reply. 👍🏼

[@nspctor7729]

Great advise...thanks What about spraying to keep fruit flies in check DURING the growing season? Oh! BTW - "make sure you're UP wind" Couldn't help my self...lol

[@SustainableStace]

Great advice on being 'up wind' absolutely. Though, it's best to only spray when there's NO wind! In our area - fruit flies would only show up on decaying or overripe fruit. So, I would control that by harvesting more frequently. I wouldn't want to spray something to kill bugs when fruit is on the tree b/c then the fruit will have that spray on it and be either tasting poor or possibly even dangerous to consume. I'm a fan of only spraying when the tree has NO fruit on it.

[@jaimecoronado5853]

This is great, a couple of questions. Can you do this to cherry trees? And 2 do you just spray the trunk or the whole tree? I have 2 big 15’ cherry trees and have been struggling with store bought stuff. Can’t seem to help. Thank you

[@SustainableStace]

Hello Jaime, Yes you can do this for cherry trees. You want spray ALL areas where insects/eggs could be hiding on the bark of the tree. So, you want to spray the trunk, all the branches - everything. I hope it's highly successful. I know sometimes there are insects that can cause little holes in the leaves -looks like a shotgun blasted the tree. I believe that to address that you'll need a spray that has some copper in it.

[@benacker1983]

I have heard of some people simply using dish soap and water to control bugs on fruit trees. The dormant oil sounds like a good addition to that for early in the season.

[@SustainableStace]

Yes, the soap is what does the hard word in dealing with bugs. The oil help the soap cling / adhere to the critters better which should increase success!

[@hamiltongoldbug]

I tried dish soap for the first 4 years after I planted them. The bugs aren't deterred by dish soap. They seem to still hatch. After they hatch and you find them on the tree, I soaked the tree with dish soap. The bugs fall off quickly onto the ground and the next day they crawl right back up.

[@dtropolopicus3602]

​@@hamiltongoldbugwhat kind of soap did you use?

[@briandegoede4483]

Thank you for the video! What about a mixture for when the fruit starts developing and is vulnerable to fruit beetle stingrays in the baby fruit? Any ideas?

[@SustainableStace]

Hi Brian - great question. I've not heard of fruit beetle stingrays. Question: what kind of trees do you get those on ? AND where do you garden / grow fruit ? I'll try to learn more about this!

[@briandegoede4483]

@@SustainableStace Thanks for your reply. It was a mistake. Not stingrays! What I know about commercial pesticides is that they are applied just after flowering when fruits develop because some moths or beetles insert their into the fruitcake it's young and so the fruits if not sprayed early will grow with these eggs and rot partiality or fully. So my question: is your mixture and method the same I'm terms of timing (season) and type of pests its repelling?

[@albacaceres4336]

Hi, I am in New York and I have a peach, plum and cherry tree on pots, this is my first year for the cherry and plum, my peach already has some fruit. What can I use to keep them healthy and how often do I have to fumigate them. Thank you

[@SustainableStace]

Hello Alba - that's series of great questions. I'm unsure what your weather, sun exposure and most prevalent pests are in your area. The peach I would focus on keeping under cover - so no rain hits it. The others should be pruned for good air circulation. I only spray once in spring, and then I sometimes handpick off tent caterpillars on the apple trees as the fruit is setting - but often various birds come in and do the job for me!

[@Yuro_eatsplatez]

I boiled garlic and mixed that with dishsoap. No more critters eating my peaches. It's the first year so far and it's working great

[@SustainableStace]

Thanks for the input infinite! What time in the season do you spray your mixture on the peach tree?

[@TheYaya1966]

When you used dish soap, are you referring to “dawn” or Meyers natural? Please update-can you spray after there are fruit buds?

[@ibraheemabdullah4835]

Thanks brother. Nice job. Have you gotten any feedback whether it works on cherry and fig?

[@SustainableStace]

You're welcome Ibraheem. I have not received feedback re: cherry or fig.

[@javiermontes905]

Sweet

[@mybodywisdom13]

Thanks for this natural recipe. It’s post flower time for my Italian plum tree and that scale is all over my tree. Is it too late to use this spray? Do I have to use something else now? Thanks

[@SustainableStace]

You're welcome. The spray will likely working on 'that scale' ! As long as no pollinators are at risk - and they shouldn't be now the flowers are done - it's a very low risk trial. Can you please let me know how it goes? I'd love to know !

[@alexson5444]

Hi, Thanks for share with your patent. Will it works on Japanese beetles?

[@SustainableStace]

I don't know if I have Japanese beetles affecting my trees and so i cannot speak with experience.

[@doyourbest.9554]

Nice...from a new subscriber.

[@SustainableStace]

Welcome to the channel. I'm glad you liked it :) Thanks for the sub!

[@Kashwowz]

Thank you for this!! Awesome experience to learn this technique. If I may ask for your advice... I think its late for my trees to apply this now, since they already have bloomed, some young plums already formed.. What would you suggest applying now to prevent some pests?

[@SustainableStace]

Hello ChrisLovesNature! You are correct, it's too late for a dormant oil spray once the flowers have arrived. Generally, getting the pests in spring is best. After that, I'm not sure if there's a suitable time to spray when it will still be safe for the pollinators. It's okay to wait till next spring!

[@travissmith-wz5nc]

I use 50 /50 mix of castile soap and oil. Dr bronners has mint which is a natural deternet to bugs also

[@SustainableStace]

Fantastic - amazing how the mint helps out and smells good. I love the Dr. Bronners for this purpose!

[@annecaru9208]

THANKS . BEING TRYING ALOT .

[@lisastephenson3761]

Great video. What can I spray on my trees after my fruit appears. My plum trees are loaded with small plums and I would hate to loose them to bugs. Help please

[@SustainableStace]

After fruit appears is something I'm not familiar with. There's so much LIFE on the tree at that point, not to mention it's the actual fruit you're going to eat, that I'm not keen on spraying a tree once the fruit has set.

[@ericgrinstead52]

Great video Stace! Just found you. Quick question…will this method work for cherry trees? My cherry trees got hammered by aphids this summer and I want to do something for next year. Is it too late to hit them in late September? Should I wait till spring before budding?

[@SustainableStace]

Hi Eric, Great question. Quick answer - I'm unsure. B/c aphids likely don't overwinter on your tree I think this spray is not the best solution. My suggestion - use an aphid spray (check this video I've posted about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIXClIibeZugiMU) and put an ANT proof band around the trunk of your tree so ants can no longer access the aphids. Good luck!

[@carriemaurer4363]

Thank you

[@SustainableStace]

You're welcome

[@edheidema2004]

Hello. It’s the latter part of April here in Michigan. I live a fair distance from my trees, so I’m not sure about blossoms yet. If they have budded, is it okay to just spray the trunk?

[@SustainableStace]

Hi Ed - yes, that'll be fine.

[@wennyrowena3397]

Thank you for your video. Its very informative. I just have a question. Can you use this for tomatoes and eggplants? How many times do I have to spray the plants using this formula specially for the vegetables.

[@SustainableStace]

I'm glad you liked the video and thanks for the question. This is meant for overwintering pests on fruit trees. I'm curious - what pests are you encountering on tomatoes and eggplants which you are wanting to address?

[@wennyrowena3397]

@@SustainableStace The pest on the tomatoes are fruit flies and shoot borer for the eggplant. almost all of the tomatoes are damaged by the fruitflies. Dont know if we can save some of the tomatoes as well as the eggplants. I'm located in the Philippines and weather is extremely hot. I've been trying to look for ways for organic ways to shoo these pests

[@netters1944]

Thanks for the video. I have 3 young trees. Plum, apricot and apple (no fruit). I noticed yesterday that the plum has what I believe is an aphid and the beginning of ants. The trees are new this year and I didn't see this video. It is now late summer. Is it too late in the year to spray this treatment? I just need some clarification. Thanks

[@SustainableStace]

Ants farm aphids. Anyplace you find aphids there are ants first! Only use this spray when there are no flowers / fruit on your tree. You can always use a water hose and spray your trees down, that can help a lot to eradicate little pests.

[@MrTexaz101]

I have a pecan tree with an aphid problem. It's a huge tree, so not an easy task if trying to get all the leaves. Maybe a garden hose-type application might be more accessible. What do you recommend for huge trees?

[@SustainableStace]

I don't know anything about growing pecan trees as the don't grow where we live. However, aphids are quite familiar to me. Do the aphids live on the pecan tree all year round? Aphids are generally living symbiotically with ants. If you can prevent ants from getting up/on the tree then you can likely improve your odds of stopping the aphid problem. a big sprayer may also be a great way to tackle the problem but . . . as you likely know, aphids may need to be sprayed more than one time.

[@lindasands1433]

Thank you. I love that it's organic. Most channels also recommend copper. What's your take on that please?

[@SustainableStace]

Hi Linda - thanks for asking. The spray in this video is dealing with pests that have overwintered. Copper is meant (primarily) to address fungus (or bacteria) harmful to the tree. It's considered suitable in moderation and can be used in organic settings. I found this article helpful to read: www.epicgardening.com/copper-fungicide/ wishing you well!

[@lindasands1433]

@@SustainableStace Thank you for that link. The article was helpful

[@davidconway7238]

Your video and spray is great . I was using cinnamon bark oil, vegetable oil and water this year. So my question to you is this it for spraying the tree for the season? Or do you spray with something there after the leaves are out up to and before the buds open . And after the flowers bloom. Please reply

[@SustainableStace]

Thanks for the comment and the question. Yes, this is it for the season. After I've done this spray, the likely next challenge is tent caterpillars which I remove by hand as they cluster.

[@lanemaund5097]

Thanks 🇬🇧👍

[@SustainableStace]

You're very welcome Lane !

[@leonsandylinseman9884]

Should I spray the ground?? About the area of drip line of the tree? Thank you.

[@SustainableStace]

It's a good question. No, I don't think so. Typically in spring, around the permiter of my fruit trees, I scatter lime after having pruned them. That helps balance soil pH and my chickens move in and look for any little critters & bits - that typically cleans things up nicely :)

[@NathalieGCousineau]

Need advice: So i'm a newbie to caring for apple trees...I have 2 but never produced but this year, I finally educated myself and now see that I have apples, the little bumps underneith the dead blooms....I also noticed its full of those little worms so handpicked them out but I need to spray so my question is, can I spray this on now? Will it kill the worms and not harm the apples? Thanks 😊

[@SustainableStace]

Hi Nathalie - great question. Welcome to the channel. The spray is not meant to address worms. It's meant for insects that breathe thru their bodies and spend winter in the bark/wood of the tree. It's also key that this spray is only used BEFORE fruit has set on the tree. good luck!

[@sisw4349]

It’s summer now and blackberries are already falling, is there something i can spray with now? I just moved in and would love to eat the fruit instead of washing it away

[@SustainableStace]

Hmm - you must be somewhere MUCH warmer than where I live! If fruit is already ripe, it's not an advisable time to be spraying.

[@jamesdavis4577]

Hi, I have a pear tree suffering from gymnosporangium Sabinae for quite sometime and I want to help combat this. It's currently autumn here in the UK. Could I use this now or wait until Spring comes along? Thank you! :)

[@SustainableStace]

That's a rust caused by a fungus. This is not an anti-fungal spray so i don't believe it will be effective.

[@user-uy7gq4qf9c]

Do you have any suggestions for bitter rot on apple trees. thank you very much.

[@SustainableStace]

Yes, it' a fungus that's resting in the wood. You need to identify and remove the wood that is harbouring the fungus.

[@TomValens]

if I want to use a hose sprayer instead of a pump sprayer, I'm assuming I put the same amount of ingredients per gallon mark into the sprayer, right?

[@SustainableStace]

Hi Tom - yes that's correct.

[@djr3008]

My tree is grafted peach and plum. think this will work on peaches as well?

[@SustainableStace]

Yes, I do!

[@timharness9553]

Very good audio!

[@SustainableStace]

I'm glad you liked it Tim!

[@dombogchi]

Hi there Is dish soap a good substitute for the casteel soap . Thank you in advance.

[@SustainableStace]

It's a great question. The answer is 'it depends' on the type of soap you use. In my view - getting quality soap with fewest harmful ingredients is worth the search.

[@dombogchi]

@@SustainableStace Thank you for answering I appreciate it.

[@amandabrendel1609]

Thanks for the info! How often do you spray? Just once a year? Or throughout the season?

[@SustainableStace]

Just once a year.

[@TiggersMum13]

Thanks for this, in UK could you replace Castile soap with eco dish soap which is much cheaper please! Thanks

[@SustainableStace]

Yes you can!

[@peacetoall1201]

Can I use this recipe for peach trees that already have peaches growing, but the trunk has borers on/in it?

[@SustainableStace]

It's a good question but a difficult one for me to answer: 1) As noted in the video - I have not used this spray on peaches. 2) Also, I'm unsure how effective this spray will be on a borer. I don't have borers and so I don't have experience to confirm. 3) The spray is meant to be applied when the tree is dormant or just coming out of dormancy (prior to flowering). However, if you're only applying to the trunk then potential concerns of harming helpful insects are likely / mostly avoided. wishing you well :)

[@fousies]

I assume you do the branches too? I have heard of adding garlic, hot pepper and cinnamon oil. Thank you!

[@SustainableStace]

Yes I do! Gotta spray every bit of habitat which a pest could be living on / in .

[@sandiodell214]

We have a pear tree that we sprayed using your recipe early in the season. It was growing beautifully, but now there are branches or portions of branches that have turned black and withered. It is loaded with small pears. What can I use on it now to keep from losing this crop?

[@SustainableStace]

That's unfortunate. You sprayed for pests that overwintered. But, your tree has likely been hit with a fungus that overwintered. from a google search: "Pears with black rot have been infected by a fungus called Physalospora obtusa (syn. Botryosphaeria obtusa). It overwinters in cankers on trees and in leaf matter, old fruit, and twigs on the ground. The prime conditions for infection are warm and wet weather in the spring." You'll need to identify and remove the wood that is harbouring the fungus.

[@user-qr2te4tl8w]

What can I use mid summer? I have leaf folders and they had been able to establish bc of ants. Dealt with the ants yesterday but wonder if I could use a DIY soap spray now, but it is July. Thoughts? Recipes, suggestions?

[@SustainableStace]

Hmm you got me thinking. I don't know of any organic methods for dealing with leaf folders. Depending on how wide spread it is, I wonder if you'll be able to spray them off with a garden hose?

[@ggtaruc2578]

Can I still do this after the apple tree has flowered and fruiting like now (in Michigan)?

[@SustainableStace]

It's a spray intended to be used / applied when the tree is DORMANT, it's a dormant oil spray. So, I would not advise applying this when the tree is out of dormancy.

[@pakistanpakistani7869]

Can we also spray this on rose bushes and when can we add neem oil. Can I use this on my lemon and guava trees. Thanks

[@SustainableStace]

It would work on rose bushes for sure. As for the other trees - I don't grow lemon or guava trees so I cannot advise.

[@maureenpalmquist08]

I have a tree with aphid infestation. The aphids cause a white sticky mess that not only attracts bees but drips all over my patio. It started last year and besides from spraying the tree down with a hose nothing works because they keep coming back. Will this formula work for aphid infestation and if so is it too late to apply?

[@SustainableStace]

This is a great question. I don't suggest Dormant Oil Spray for Aphids. I've got a video specifically for dealing with Aphids: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIXClIibeZugiMU

[@ihembashilima5540]

Thanks I need advice how to treat the white things that's causing the trees just to become dry it's a lemon tree?

[@SustainableStace]

Hello Ihemba - i'm curious to know what 'white things' your lemon tree is troubled by. I have very little experience with Citrus because I live in a climate too cold to grow them!

[@kjman1955]

can I spray this on trees with either blossoms formed but not open and trees where the buds of growth are an inch or 2 long. Thanks

[@SustainableStace]

The spray will not hurt the tree in any way no matter when it's applied. The concern / caution is always re: the impact on pollinators. If there are blossoms (even formed and not open), there are likely (hopefully!) pollinators trying to get at the blossoms and so the spray shouldn't be applied then.

[@docjlc1]

My peach tree already has tiny peaches, can I still spray with dormant spray or should I use something else?

[@SustainableStace]

No - dormant oil spray is meant to be sprayed when the tree is dormant. I don't use any other sprays and so I'm not familiar with them. I do know that b/c peach is susceptible to leaf curl, often a copper spray is used but it's not something I've used.

[@ashlielamb7362]

How would you tackle spraying a huge apple tree? I'm talking 15ish foot tall and branch width of 25+ feet. A 2 gallon sprayer is not even going to touch 1/4 of the tree. Thanks.

[@SustainableStace]

Hi Ashlie - yes it's a good question. Big trees are hard to tackle. Many of our trees (a dozen or so) are about 10' tall and 20' across. The # of branches on the trees is key as well. Pruning well in advance, decreases a LOT of the surface area to spray. A 2 gallon sprayer will do several trees the size of what you described if you have the mist set to 'fine' and you seize the opportunity on a day with no breeze. Good luck - it can be a challenge.

[@davidyummus6259]

Does this work on Apple Trees for Stink Bugs ? Just moved to a house with Apple Trees March 2021,... Stink Bugs ruined all the apples & are currently Over Wintering in my attic :( Want something to stop them destroying my apples this year. Thanks

[@SustainableStace]

Hi David, Excellent question Where we live we don't have stink bugs in abundance I did some reading, my suggestion is that IF stink bugs are ON the apple tree then YES this spray should work at killing them. I would ADD one ingredient to the recipe - VINEGAR. Add 1 cup of vinegar when you mix it up. If you try it, can you please let me know the result? Good luck :)

[@HarleyLoper]

I have some lavender scented pure Castile soap on hand. Would that be okay to use?

[@SustainableStace]

Yes it will!

[@HarleyLoper]

@@SustainableStace thanks!!

[@gemmabean9897]

Do you spray all the branches at well, or just the trunk/bark?

[@SustainableStace]

My goal is to spray all surfaces where pests could be harboured. So . . . I try to get all surfaces.

[@RazvanCoros]

does the oil mix with the watter? or will it be sprayed last when the content of the bottle is done

[@SustainableStace]

Great question - it mixes when the sprayer is pressurized and comes it well mixed!

[@agrarianarc]

If I have leaves uncurling and opening up, but no open flowers yet, can I spray this?

[@SustainableStace]

Yes, that should work fine. You just want to ensure the spray is on the tree before pollinators are hitting the new flowers.

[@AlamarcheLaVieZephyrLife]

My trees are fairly tall, am I supposed to spray all of the branches as well? and since my trees are overgrown and need some TLC how much of the branches can I trim off in the fall to get my trees healthy again?

[@SustainableStace]

Hello Angela - yes, the goal is to apply spray on ALL surfaces/bark where pests could have overwintered. Pruning is key to shape the tree to capture light, increase airflow and increase chances for flowers and fruit. Different trees can manage different amounts of pruning. For instance, my apple trees can sustain up to 20-30 of the total tree being pruned in fall/winter and still produce well. Though I don't do that much pruning usually. However, prunes/plums don't sustain that volume of pruning without giving up a year of production. I've got a video to help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooXZc3p3jcaEaJo

[@deewilkerson2994]

Can I use this spray in hot July. I have black beetles on my apple tree?

[@SustainableStace]

The spray is intended for overwintering pests and I don't think black beetle would fit that category. The spray is meant for early spring application.

[@chandraturner8516]

What if you already have leaves and fruit? Will this still work? I tried using neem oil on my soursop tree, but it burned my leaves, and they fell off. And yes, I did apply this during the evening.

[@SustainableStace]

Good question - It's meant to be applied when the tree is just emerging from dormancy. So . . no, hot when there are leaves and definitely NOT when there's fruit.

[@CyndiLH]

What do you recommend for aphids or mites after the fruit starts?

[@SustainableStace]

Hi Cyndi - great question. We have problems with aphids at times and I've done a video to address that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIXClIibeZugiMU

[@NM-gy6tx]

Hi, not sure if you can help me. I have two medium/large birch trees that have produced this horrible sap like stuff thats covered my shed and garden table. On closure inspection every leaf is covered in aphids. I do have a sprayer.. what safe solution could i apply please to get rid of them (and sap) because there are a lot of birds that come down on feeders which i hang in the trees and just wary of the cats children close by too. Need something safe. Thankyou.

[@SustainableStace]

Hello ! How about considering some of the recommended solutions in this video focused on eliminating Aphids? kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIXClIibeZugiMU

[@tatyanaharbuziuk427]

Last year I got first time lots of peaches but all of them has worm inside, even before riped( still green( what I can do to prevent from worms this year???

[@SustainableStace]

That's a discouraging experience - it sounds like your harvest was ruined and you didn't get to enjoy it. step by step: 1) You should find out if the worms are overwintering and residing on the tree OR if they come to the tree after it starts to flower and fruit. 2) Once you have that figured out you should discover the best treatment for the type of worm that's attacking your peaches. good luck :)

[@KinseyD1013]

Hello, my young apple tree is having some pest problems. Not sure exactly what it is but with a bit of online research, I believe it is infested with frog-eye leaf spot and/or black rot. I have already pruned the trees. Neither of them have fruited yet because they are fairly new trees. So since they haven't fruited, do you think this spray will work if I use it now after pruning? I'm looking for something natural and less harmful. This is the best I have found yet. Thanks for any help or suggestions!

[@SustainableStace]

I'm sorry to hear about your struggling young apple tree Destiny. If there are no blossoms that will show up this season, then it should be safe to use this spray recipe. Good luck!

[@KinseyD1013]

I really appreciate your response! I'm going to try it this weekend. Thanks again!

[@faizalpatel9534]

Hi you can use fungicide like bayer netivo is best fungicide

[@faizalpatel9534]

You can get online buying

[@IDVDalot]

So what do you spray if things are already flowering and blooming? Its May 7 and things are blooming I have leaves full of bugs.

[@SustainableStace]

Let's start off by NOT assuming that spraying is the always the answer . . . . If things are flowering and blooming and you start to spray - it'll be like dropping a bomb and hoping to only 'hit' the bad guys in the crowd - which is NOT going to happen. You'll end up harming beneficial insects - esp. the pollinators. So . .. you may need to choose a variety of options: My most successful early spring activity is: Mow the grass around the tree, treat with lime, put down a layer of cardboard and mulch - this can radically mute the pest population around & under the tree. OR 1. live with the bugs 2. wait for birds to prey on them 3. purchase beneficial insects like ladybugs 4. hand pick off the bugs you don't like 5. if they are climbing the trunk - sticky wrap the trunk of the tree 6. mow the grass around the tree, treat with lime, put down a layer of cardboard and mulch - this can radically mute the pest population around & under the tree

[@etelvinaherrera2410]

What can I use if my Apple tree already has baby apples? I got the tree 3 weeks ago and have a pest issue already. Please help 😮

[@SustainableStace]

It's a baby apple tree crisis. I'm sorry that you have pests right away. What you do will depend on what pests you have. With aphids, I would hose them off. With caterpillars I would cut off the besieged branches. You'll need to know what pests you have to successfully deal with them.

[@amvpal09]

Can u spray when they already flowering. Or is it too late? What can u do in this case

[@SustainableStace]

Good question. It's meant to be DORMANT spray so . . . .it's too late to use a dormant oil spray when the tree is flowering.

[@agrarianarc]

Would a vegetable based natural and gentle dish soap work?

[@SustainableStace]

Yes, absolutely!

[@chocolatesugar4434]

What if its the beginning of august and the fruit is already here? Is this method still effective?

[@SustainableStace]

Good question - it's a spray meant for when the tree is dormant. So .. . I'd suggest it's better to wait until the tree is dormant.

[@charlenedougan8888]

Ok my trees don't really produce much fruit. What can I spray on them to help this process?

[@SustainableStace]

Hi Charlene, you can do two things that will help your tree get healthier and produce more fruit which are always safe for insects: 1. prune them thoughtfully : kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooXZc3p3jcaEaJo 2. cover the ground around the base (drip line) of the tree. I put down cardboard and bark mulch. Covering the soil always has a dramatic effect on the tree's health improving and decreasing pests!

[@10yearsago96]

Would this work for cherry trees? I need to find something to use, I can’t eat any of the cherries that grow because they’re all full of bugs

[@SustainableStace]

the spray is safe for dormant cherry trees. the question is: do the bugs overwinter on the tree? if so, the spray should be effective. if the bugs arrive after budding/flowering then the spray will not be effective

[@ningclaudia]

Thanks. How often should I do that?

[@SustainableStace]

great question - one thorough treatment in spring should be sufficient.

[@snewp90]

can i use this while my tree is fruiting/flowering? my soursops are covered in aphids 😖

[@SustainableStace]

You've got a problem - absolutely. This spray is for overwintering pests and is not intended for aphids. I've done a video for Aphid control - here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIXClIibeZugiMU Another gardener has commented (though I've not tried this) that they find the best solution on Aphids is a 10% dilution of 3% (household strength) organic hydrogen peroxide. Good luck !

[@rosarios.6601]

If I missed the first spray period and my plum tree has fruit, can I spray this to areas of the bark now ? If not, is there something I can spray on my plum trees now with the growing fruit?

[@SustainableStace]

If you use this formulation and only spray it on the bark it will be effective to kill off critters you don't want and won't harm the fruit. But . . . . unless you've got a serious pest problem, my suggestion would be 'no spray' this season and see how the tree does without anything.

[@rosarios.6601]

Thank you!

[@merlinedobney2455]

My pear tree had fruit can I used the this to spray the tree and fruits

[@kevinsmith1513]

Will this work for Concord grapes?

[@SustainableStace]

Good question Kevin. I'm unsure if this would work for grapes. Generally I think grapes have more issues with mildew, rot, fungus etc and this spray is more about pests. I grow a variety of different grapes. They're so healthy and have no pests. I've never considered spraying them. I wish I could offer more guidance. Wishing you well.

[@johnlivingston4831]

where do get castile soap or can dawn soap be used?

[@SustainableStace]

Yes, Dawn soap can be used.

[@bryanviper]

We have an old pear tree in Portugal that my grandfather used to take care of when he was around. Today it still grows nice big pears however when we go to cut them open they are either rotten on the inside or have bugs. Would this spray resolve that or do we need something else? Thanks

[@SustainableStace]

That sounds frustrating. Looks good but cannot be enjoyed - downer. To know if this spray would work, we'd need to know if the bugs causing the damage are overwintering on the tree (then it would work!) OR showing up and infesting the fruit after it forms on the tree (then it wouldn't work)

[@bryanviper]

@@SustainableStace Sorry for the late reply we did not go back this past year but will hopefully go in 2024. Since we are not there most of the year I'm not sure. But the bugs are for sure during when it has fruit. I dont think they are causing damage the rest of the year but only when there is fruit. They have been trying to apply disinfecting products the rest of the year but not sure if its been successful. Any suggestions?

[@shelbywilmoth839]

An you use dawn dish detergent in place?

[@SustainableStace]

Hi Shelby - any type of sudsy detergent (including Dawn) will effectively kill the dormant pests. But, it may be less safe on the plant. You're trying to keep the plant healthy MORE than trying to kill the pests :)

[@oscarcruz9585]

Great video...just curious, and I hate to ask but will this spray work with mango trees?

[@SustainableStace]

Hi Oscar, I have no idea b/c I don't grow mangoes but . . if during dormant season you have insects negatively affecting your mango tree(s) it likely WILL work.

[@oscarcruz9585]

@@SustainableStace thank you for your response. I tried one gallon on my mango tree. I’ll let you know how it works out. Thanks again.

[@smyrnasstory]

Do I have to spray the entire tree, including all of the branches?

[@SustainableStace]

Yes, the goal is to have the spray cover / envelope the body of every pest that is resident on the tree.

[@CeliaRae]

Does this work on trees that are already bearing fruit? The plum tree is heavily producing but each one has little white worms in them 😢

[@SustainableStace]

Good question. This is a DORMANT scpray so dealing with worms on fruit will need a different strategy. I think this info might be what you need for your plums to have a winning season! www.gardenworld.co.uk/case-study/how-to-control-apple-and-plum-maggots/

[@rahilaa.s5544]

Hello, how many time should we use this in a month ? Thanks I will try for my cherry apple plum and pear tree 😃

[@SustainableStace]

Hi Rahila, it's meant to be used one time, at the most twice, in spring. The timing is very important b/c it needs to be AFTER the frost and BEFORE the flowers start to attract pollinators.

[@rahilaa.s5544]

@@SustainableStace Oooh ok Thank you. My trees are "sick" actually and fruits are done. (I live in France). So I was wondering if I could do now.

[@suewilliams9402]

What do you recommend to keep birds from eating blueberries and cherries? We've tried reflective tape with no results.

[@SustainableStace]

Hi Sue - I read your question and went 'ugh'. That's a tough one. If you have flocks of birds especially - like Starlings which are aplenty where we live - they can be vicious on berries and cherries. If you don't put netting over top it's always a high chance of losing crops.

[@charlesdevier8203]

I use 1/2 inch plastic electrical conduit (or metal electrical conduit) to make a cage over the bushes or small tree and cover with a bird net. The net works great.