Plant Problem Solver: Do You Have Fungus or Insects?

Dormant Spray Kit Available
At Art's Nursery

 If you have insect or fungal problems on your deciduous trees, fruit trees or shrubs, then let me tell you about Dormant Spray.

Dormant Spray consists of 2 parts, a horticultural oil that smothers insects and their eggs and the second part is lime sulphur which naturally kills fungus spores.

Apply these 2 items before your tree or plant breaks dormancy (usually late winter) and you can prevent insects and fungus before they start to cause damage. Conveniently, you’ll find both of these ingredients in kits such as the one available from Green Earth.


Application of the spray is quite specific and directions should be followed.


Preferably, you should prune your plants first, then apply the sulphur and a day or two later the oil.

However, you can combine both ingredients to do just one spraying. The temperature needs to be no colder than 5 C and no hotter than 21 C. It is best to apply the horticultural oil in the morning so that it has time to spread and cover all areas of the plant before the cooler night time temperatures.

Spraying must be done before your plants start budding or the sulphur will damage the new growth. Many gardeners do this in the early spring but with mild temperatures in the lower mainland spraying can be done during the winter.

As to which plants to spray, flowering trees such as fruit trees and plants in the rose family which includes raspberries are good candidates. Maples may not like the Dormant Spray especially Japanese Maples so you’ll want to ask an expert first. Dilution rates vary by plants so do read the directions that come with the kits thoroughly. Here’s wishing you insect and fungus free trees!

Dormant Oil & Lime Sulphur sprays and many other horticultural products are available at Art's Nursery throughout the winter and most of spring. If you have any other questions about your fruit trees, please call us at  604.882.1201

This Post Was Written By:

Mary J.
Mary is one of Art's talented, experienced and knowledgeable horticulturists and customer service specialists. She can be reached 5 days a week at Art's Nursery, 604.882.1201.