Backyard Fruit Tree Spray Schedule in North Carolina

Springtime Signals

• As fruit trees exit winter dormancy, blossom buds begin to show green tips. This stage signals time for the season's first spray. An application of horticultural dormant oil applied as a 3 percent solution targets insects that have overwintered on fruit trees: Mix 3.75 fluid ounces of oil with 1 gallon of water. Spray fruit trees so all surfaces are thoroughly wet, giving special attention to the underside of limbs. At the end of the growing season as fruit trees go dormant, repeat this same application as your last spray of the North Carolina season.

Bloom Time Sprays

• When fruit tree blossoms arrive, fire blight and fungal diseases can try to take hold. Spray with streptomycin at a rate of 1 teaspoon per 1 gallon of water during blooming to help battle these diseases. Begin spraying as soon as blossoms appear. If wet conditions and blight are prevalent, repeat applications every three to four days while trees are in bloom. Spraying chemicals that fend off disease during flowering is fine, but never spray insecticides during this time because the toxins kill pollinating insects.

When Petals Drop

• As blossom petals start to fall, begin spraying fungicide and insecticide at two to three week intervals. If wet weather prevails or past years have held disease problems, spray at intervals of two weeks. Stop all fruit tree sprays three weeks before harvest. Many available products combine fungicide and insecticide into a single fruit tree spray. As a general guideline, mix 2 1/2 tablespoons of fruit tree spray concentrate with one gallon of water. Follow specific instructions on your fruit tree spray's product label.

Spray Precautions

• Whenever using fruit tree sprays, wear protective eyewear, gloves and protective clothing. Clear your backyard orchard of children and pets. Follow the manufacturer's label on fruit tree products for mixing and application rates specific to your fruit types. While general North Carolina guidelines exist, some fruits differ. Healthy trees have fewer problems with insects and disease. Choose proper planting sites and appropriate fruit varieties for your area to reduce the amount of sprays your trees need. After your North Carolina harvest ends and leaves have fallen to the ground, dispose of all debris to prevent overwintering of insects or disease.