Fruit Tree Spray Guide

Published on
February 12, 2025 at 12:16:05 PM PST February 12, 2025 at 12:16:05 PM PSTth, February 12, 2025 at 12:16:05 PM PST

Protecting Your Orchard Year Round

Keeping your fruit trees healthy and productive requires a consistent spray routine to manage pests and diseases. The right fruit tree spray at the right time can make all the difference. Our comprehensive guide will help you understand when and how to spray your fruit trees for optimal results.


Understanding the Fruit Tree Spray Stages

Clean, healthy, delicious fruit can be accomplished by following a few guidelines. Environmental controls should be practiced first before applications of liquid products. Proper pruning, spacing, fertilization and sunlight requirements are just as important. Use the fruit tree spray chart as a resource. Always read and follow label directions closely.


  • Dormant Stage: Trees have bare stems and show no signs of growth. This is the most crucial time to control insects.


  • Delayed Dormant Stage: This is the period between bud swell and green tip. Some insects are more vulnerable now.


  • Buds, Pre-Bloom Stage: Cluster of flower buds are present but have not yet opened. This is a good stage to treat with select products.


  • Bloom Stage: Flowers are present. Avoid spraying insecticides during bloom time to protect bees.


  • Leaf to Harvest Stage: The tree has fully developed leaves and is producing fruit. Use this stage for repeated maintenance applications.


What to Spray and When

Dormant Stage

  • Apply All Seasons Oil to apple, cherry, grape, peach, strawberry, plum and prune trees to control overwintering pests.
  • Use Copper Fungicide for fire blight control on pears.
  • Use Captain Jack's Fruit Tree Spray on apricots, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and citrus and nuts to prevent fungal infections.


Buds, Pre-Bloom Stage

  • Use Captain Jack's Fruit Tree Spray on apricots, apples, cherries, grapes, pears, peaches, strawberries, plums, prunes, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and citrus and nuts for pest management.
  • Apply Copper Fungicide for fire blight control on apple and pear trees.
  • Use Eight on peach trees.


Bloom Stage

  • Use Copper Funicide ONLY on all fruits except grapes, citrus and nuts.


Leaf to Harvest Stage

  • Continue using Captain Jack's Fruit Tree Spray on apricots, apples, cherries, grapes, pears, peaches, strawberries, plums, prunes, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and citrus and nuts to keep pests at bay.
  • Apply Eight on apple and peach trees.
  • Use Copper Fungicide for cherry, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries.
  • Orchard Spray can be used on grapes, pear, plums and prunes.


Why Use Fruit Tree Spray?

Fruit Tree Spray is a multipurpose treatment that targets common pests and diseases, making it an essential tool for home orchards. Its benefits include:


  • Broad-spectrum control of insects like aphids, caterpillars and mites.
  • Fungal disease prevention, including powdery mildew and rust.
  • Easy application with just a few sprays per season.


Final Tips for Healthy Fruit Trees

  • Always read and follow label instructions when applying sprays.
  • Apply sprays during calm, dry weather to prevent drift.
  • Rotate treatments to prevent pest resistance.
  • Prune trees regularly to improve air circulation and reduce disease risk.


By following the Fruit Tree Spray Guide, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of healthy, pest-free fruit all season long. Explore our selection of fruit tree sprays and care products at your local Earl May Garden Center today!