Is Orthene Safe to Use on Spruce Trees?

Types

• Follow product label directions carefully when mixing and applying acephate to spruce foliage. Orthene has multiple formulations on the market, each with varying concentrations of acephate.

Warning

• Spruce needle foliage may succumb to phytotoxicity if treated with inappropriate concentrations of acephate when used in contradiction to product label warnings or recommendations. Phytotoxicity shows up as burning, yellowing and drying of needles once exposed to sunlight or drying winds.

Expert Insight

• The British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Lands recommends conducting an isolated trial treatment on plants to test a plant's reaction to a chemical. Spray on a windless day and follow chemical mixing dosage rates and other guidelines closely.