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Protecting most tree fruits from attack by insects or diseases usually requires some pesticide application through the course of the summer. The maximum result with the least amount of pesticide applied can result if the spraying is done correctly. Unfortunately, most home gardeners don't have the proper equipment to do the job right. This sheet will explain factors to consider and approaches to take in spraying fruit trees. No recommendations are made for controlling specific pests nor for timing sprays.
Home gardeners usually have one of two types of sprayers: a handheld pump up tank sprayer or a hose end sprayer. The pump up type sprayer allows accurate mixing and application, but they have limited range. Pump up sprayers will not reach the tops of tall trees. Hose end sprayers can reach the tops of tall trees, but mixing materials appropriately is difficult if not impossible. The amount of pesticide metered into the water stream depends on the water pressure which may change from day to day and thus the amount of water going through the hose. Pesticides that are packaged dry and then mixed with water before application must be carefully diluted and dissolved in the sprayer bottle prior to application.
Fruit trees on dwarfing rootstocks are also easier to spray because they don't become so large. An apple tree on a full dwarfing rootstock such as M.9 may only be 12 feet tall at maturity compared to apples on seedling rootstocks that may exceed 30 feet in height.
Follow the package label directions completely. Remember to wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Rubber gloves should be worn whenever working with pesticides as most exposure is through the skin on the hands. Use accurate measuring spoons or cups. The label will indicate so many tablespoons or ounces per gallon. This is not readily converted to "glugs". Don't take measuring spoons or cups back into the kitchen, use a set that are reserved for pesticides.
It is usually preferred to put the pesticide in the tank and then add water. For tank type sprayers add the appropriate amount of water as indicated by the marks on the tank. For hose end sprayers set the adjustment to meter in the appropriate amount of chemical per gallon.
The first principle of spraying is to uniformly cover all surfaces completely, while not overspraying such that spray drips from the leaves (runoff). In practice this is difficult to achieve. Think of spraying like painting with a spray gun. Just as you wouldn't want paint to drip and run, you don't want pesticides to drip and run either. The procedure for spraying depends some on the size of the tree. Older trees will take more time and are more difficult to spray evenly than smaller or younger trees. Further, trees that are well pruned with an open canopy are easier to spray than unpruned trees with a dense canopy.
For large trees begin spraying on the inside of the tree and then spray the outside. Take the sprayer to the trunk and spray from the trunk towards the outside of the tree. If you can walk around the trunk spray the inside of the outer canopy from the trunk. When that is completed go to the outside of the tree and spray around the outside.
Begin on one side and work your way completely around the tree. Begin spraying at the top and then work to lower leaves and branches. Keep track of where you began and spray around to that point and then stop. There is no reason for overlap.
Smaller trees can be sprayed from just the outside. It doesn't take much spray to completely wet the foliage of a small fruit tree.
After spraying clean all the equipment thoroughly in running water. Soap will help remove residues from your equipment. Clean and wash your personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles and respirator and allow these to air dry. You should change clothing immediately after cleaning up from spraying. Don't mix your "spray clothing" with the family laundry. Wash it separately in hot water.
The pesticide package should also list a "restricted entry interval". These typically range from 12 hours to four days. During this period you should stay out of the treated area. Keep family members and pets out of the area as well.
When applied carefully and in accordance with the directions on the package pesticides can be an effective tool in protecting fruit trees from pests. Remember, the goal is to cover the foliage evenly and completely, but not to runoff. Protect yourself from pesticides by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, always including rubber gloves. Cleaning up afterwards will protect your equipment and your family from unnecessary pesticide exposure.
