No one likes to walk out to their car and find a bunch of sticky spots caused from parking under a tree. These spots are caused by a substance called “honeydew” that is created by a small tree insect called aphids. These small insects suck nutrients and sap out of trees and can be a major problem to the health of the tree.
Fortunately there are some steps that tree owners can take to keep their trees safe from aphids, with one of the most efficient being the use of a Dormant Oil treatment. Dormant oil treatments are best applied in early spring before the leaf or fruit buds open on trees. These treatments can control certain insects, mites, and diseases in trees.
Insects will work their way into cracks and crevices in trees to wait out the winter. By applying a dormant oil treatment just before the tree starts its spring growth, normally right before the end of March, tree owners can get rid of these insects before they start to become active and spread through the tree.
As with any kind of lawn or tree care treatment there are both positives and potential negatives about using dormant oil. Some of the positives with dormant oil is that it gets rid of most species of mites and scales, while also having a low likelihood of insects developing a resistance. Dormant oil is also less harmful to beneficial insects on trees, and is safe to use around birds, humans, and pets.
There are also risks to using dormant oil. Some species of trees can have an adverse reaction to oil treatments. Timing is also important with dormant oil, oil being attempted when temperatures are going to be above freezing for at least 24 hours. Dormant oil also only controls current pests, because it leaves very little residue. It will not be effective against future pest invasions.
To get more information formation on Senske’s dormant oil treatments click here.
