Time to apply Dormant Oil

Dormant spraying involves applying a preventative spray in late winter while fruit trees, deciduous trees and ornamental shrubs are still dormant.

Dormant oils are highly refined oils that act to suffocate scale, aphids, mites and other insects which seek out shelter from the winter in the bark of trees and bushes.  Product choices include concentrated Ferti-Lome Dormant Spray and ready-to-use Ferti-Lome Horticultural Oil Spray. Both of these products contain Mineral Oil.

If you want the convenience of a product that's ready to use, choose Ferti-Lome's Horticultural Oil Spray. Hook up the hose, turn it on and you're ready to spray.

For larger jobs, it's more cost effective to buy Ferti-Lome Dormant Spray. Dormant Spray can be applied with a tank sprayer or a hose end sprayer.

For best results, get a self-mixing hose end applicator.

You set the dial to the recommended rate either tablespoons or teaspoons, hook up the hose and the sprayer mixes the right proportion automatically.  Simple and effective! There's no waste because you don't have to guess at how much spray you need. When you're done, unhook the hose, disconnect the sprayer, put the cap back on the container and store it on the shelf. Though it may not feel like it right now, the temperatures will warm up again. Ideal conditions for dormant spraying would be on a day in late February or early March when the temperature will be above 40°F, there’s little or no wind and no rain or snow. Wind will carry the oil away from the tree or shrub you’re trying to protect. You’ll want to spray early in the morning so the plant will be dry by evening. Spray enough to cover the tree or shrub thoroughly.

Whenever you decide to spray, it needs to be before bud break, when the bud starts to show color. Spraying now with Dormant Oil reduces the impact aphids, scale and other insects can have later in spring and summer.