There is something important that you should do for those plants that go dormant over the winter, particularly fruit trees, berries, roses etc. Every year, during the “pink stage” (right before the tree is about to open buds), you will want to dormant spray to eliminate numerous problems for the trees. By spraying during this time you will be killing pests, eggs, diseases etc that have been overwintering in the plant or around it. This really helps to solve many problems before they happen. 

The dormant spray is made up of three different chemicals: fixed copper, malathion, and dormant oil. Fixed copper can be found at most nurseries. I buy Liqui-cop but there are many others. Malathion is readily available at Home Depot or other stores of this nature. Same with the dormant oil. Add the fixed copper per its directions on the label, then the malathion and then the oil into a pump sprayer with the appropriate amount of water. Shake good and continuously shake while spraying since the oil and water will want to separate. The oil kills eggs by suffocating them.

Spray all over the tree liberally and on the ground around berries etc. Make sure to have appropriate safety gear to not get in your eyes, mouth or on your skin. You don’t want to do this while it is windy for obvious reasons. This solution can store so if you don’t use it all that is OK. 

There are many more sprays out there and different chemicals for different pests. This is a basic tool for all gardeners. For a more comprehensive reference on the subject with more detail check out Larry Sagers article on the subject or go to www.utahpests.usu.edu

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