Spraying Shade Trees

A proper and consistent spray schedule is important to the survival of your trees. From diseases to pests, many potential issues can be prevented with spraying before they even begin! To reap its benefits, spraying should be done consistently and thoroughly following the guidelines below.

NOTE: This is part 9 in a series of 10 articles. For a complete background on how to grow shade trees, we recommend starting from the beginning.

Before you begin, read and follow all instructions on labels.

By Tree

Oak

Early spring (before growth begins)

  • Monterey Liquid Copper Fungicide for leaf blister (Taphrina).

Dormant bud swell (red group only)

  • Ferti-lome® Broad Spectrum Landscape & Garden Fungicide for taphrina blister, actinopelte leaf spot and anthracnose.

Birch, Elm, Oak

At first sign of insects

  • GardenTech® Sevin® Bug Killer for aphids, bagworms, cicadas (locust), exposed thrips, fall cankerworms, inchworms, leaf miners, leaf rollers, locust, mealy bugs, spider mites, whiteflies, gypsy moth, tent caterpillar, Japanese beetles, elm leaf beetles, elm spanworms, fall webworms (elm) and oak worms.

Maple

Preventative: before disease appears

  • Monterey Liquid Copper Fungicide for leaf spot.

Shade

Green tip (through the delayed dormant stages)

  • Monterey Horticultural Oil for scale insects, certain aphids, gall, whitefly larvae, mealy bugs, adelgids, scurfy scale and terrapin scale.

Growing season

  • Monterey Horticultural Oil for scale insects, red spider mites, mealy bugs and whitefly larvae.

At first sign of insects

  • Natural Guard® Caterpillar Killer Spray w/BT for bagworms, fall webworms, tent caterpillars and elm spanworms.

Crabapple

Spring bud break

  • Ferti-lome® Broad Spectrum Landscape & Garden Fungicide for scab, cedar apple rust and sphaeropsis leaf spot.

Dogwood

Spring bud swell, early bloom

  • Ferti-lome® Broad Spectrum Landscape & Garden Fungicide for anthracnose (Discula Sp.) and septoria leaf spot.

Poplar

Spring bud break

  • Ferti-lome® Broad Spectrum Landscape & Garden Fungicide for marssonina leaf spot.

Ornamentals

At first sign of insects (not for use on large trees – taller than 10 feet)

  • Monterey Fruit Tree Spray Plus for aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, whiteflies, caterpillars and thrips.
  • GardenTech® Sevin® Concentrate Bug Killer for locust.

Latest Articles & Videos

Rooted in ServiceRooted in Service The Stark Bro's Story of Leadership in Gardening Excellence At Stark Bro’s, we’re proud to be veteran-owned and veteran-operated, bringing the values of service and dedication directly into the heart of gardening. With over 200 years of history, we know that the strongest roots grow from a commitment to quality, integrity, and community. Our leadership upholds these principles, guiding every plant we nurture and every customer we serve. Here, we don’t just grow fruit trees; we grow relationships and legacy.
Harvest basket full of applesHarvest basket full of apples Preparing Your Garden for a Successful Fall and Winter As summer comes to an end, it’s time to give your fruit trees and berry plants the care they need to thrive through the colder months. Proper fall maintenance not only protects your plants from winter damage but also lays the foundation for healthy growth come spring. Here’s your fall checklist to help ensure a smooth transition into the next season.
Preparing a garlic bedPreparing a garlic bed How to Prep a Garlic Bed for Planting Preparing a garlic bed properly is essential for growing healthy, productive garlic plants. Garlic is usually planted in the fall, as it needs a cold period to establish strong roots before spring growth. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your garlic bed for planting.
citrus treescitrus trees How to Care for Citrus Trees in Containers & Successfully Grow Citrus Indoors Imagine filling your home with the vibrant scent of citrus blossoms, while enjoying fresh fruit all year long—even if you live outside the ideal growing zones for citrus! Growing citrus in containers makes this possible, allowing you to bring the beauty and flavor of citrus into any climate. With optimal care, citrus trees can bloom and bear fruit multiple times a year, adding both color, fragrance and flavor to your living space.

Tools & Supplies for Shade Trees