Dormant Spray Improves Plant Health & Fruit Quality

A dormant spray for fruit trees is applied during winter to help clean up overwintering insects and diseases before the growing season begins.

Winter dormant spray is applied to fruit trees and many ornamental plants as a clean up treatment for overwintering insects and diseases. This application is made after leaf drop, once plants have entered winter dormancy. Dormant sprays typically consist of a combination of horticultural dormant oil and a copper fungicide.

Trees and shrubs that receive a dormant treatment are generally healthier and less prone to insect infestation and disease damage during the following growing season.

At Burns Feed Store in Gresham, Oregon, we carry the supplies needed to apply dormant sprays and help support healthier trees and plants.

Why Dormant Spray for Fruit Trees Is Important

Dormant spray helps prevent the establishment of common insects and diseases that can damage plants during the growing season.

These include:

• Aphids

• Mites

• Leaf spot

• Mildew

By treating trees and shrubs during dormancy, growers can reduce pest and disease pressure before it becomes a problem.

How Dormant Spray Works

Dormant sprays typically contain two key components that work together to protect plants.

Horticultural Dormant Oil

Dormant oil works by smothering insects and their eggs that remain on the plant through winter.

Copper Fungicide

Copper acts as both a fungicide and bactericide, helping kill fungal spores and bacteria left on the plant.

For best results, the oil and copper mixture should be applied thoroughly to all parts of the tree or shrub.

Dormant Spray Products Available at Burns Feed Store

Burns Feed Store carries the spray concentrates needed to apply both standard and organic dormant spray treatments.

We also stock:

• Spray concentrates for dormant treatments

• Sprayers suitable for winter dormant applications

Informational handouts with recommended mixing rates are available upon request.

Preparing Fruit Trees and Ornamentals for the Growing Season

Applying a dormant spray for fruit trees during winter can help reduce insect and disease problems before spring growth begins.

Protect your plants now and apply a winter dormant spray for healthier ornamentals and more productive fruit trees next season.

Stop by Burns Feed Store in Gresham, Oregon to pick up dormant spray supplies and sprayers for your winter orchard and garden care.