Spraying apple tree’s

I have 4 apple tree’s that in past years have produced pretty well. I’ve always just picked the apples and tossed them out back for the deer to feed on.

This year I’m thinking I’ll maybe use most of them. I need tips on the “how to” of spraying my tree’s. Best time? Best product? Best method? Ect.

With everybody out of town I may bump this to the top a couple of times.

Thank you for your tips and input!!

Fruit trees are best sprayed with each change in color. First spray them when they bud. Second spray after the blossoms drop. Then it is best to spray them every two weeks or so until 2-3 weeks before picking. Most “bugs” effect the apple during the blossoming stage. You can spray them now but any damage to the fruit done earlier will still be there. Go to any hardware store and pick up fruit tree spray. Most of them are good. I spray mine with a 2 gallon pump sprayer.

Dead on as far as the facts on spraying. Also make sure you keep the ground clean below the trees of old apples and leaves, fertilize with a 10-10-10 in fall or early spring, and apple trees don’t like acidic soil, lime can remedy this problem unless you are next to a pine plantation.

The apples are starting to form now. Would it do any good to spray at this point or just wait until next year?

What products (brand?) should we spray with? What gives the best protection/results?

And can these types of spray also be used on other fruit trees such as plum and cherry?

Good thread!

I use a product called Bonide Fruit Tree Spray I picked up at Hardware Hank. I also use it on my plum trees. It is for use on most types of fruit trees. Just use as recommended on the label. As I stated in a previous post, spraying now will control any pests that are there now but earlier damage will not be corrected. Spray at 2-3 week intervals until 2-3 weeks before harvest.

I also used the Bonide Fruit Tree Spray, I think I picked mine up at Fleet Farm. I use it on my apple, pear and cherry trees. The timing instructions provided earlier are right on but also follow the label directions for your trees.

Take a look at this bagging method. I’ve done both and unless you have a ton of apples the bagging method has a lot pluses.

http://www.extension.umn.edu/yardandgarden/yglnews/ygln-jan0100.html#apple