Are you frustrated to see pests ruining your trees every single growing season? Urban areas like Manhattan are known for having dense canopies which are the go-to spot for pests to live in. What creates the perfect storm for these insect infestations and fungal attacks is the shifting seasons. You prune, water and care for your trees all year. But what for? Only to see them chewed up and wither from disease. The solution? Seasonal tree spraying. This proactive approach help homeowners protect their trees by using the right treatments in a timely manner. By understanding what to spray in different seasons, your trees can stay healthy all year. Read this seasonal guide to see what your tree needs and when it needs it.
SPRING TREE SPRAYING: Wake-Up Call for Pests and Fungi
Temperatures begin to rise in early spring. Due to which trees break dormancy. Buds swell and new shoots emerge. This flush of growth awakens pests and pathogens. This is your first chance to defend your trees.
Early Spring (Late February – March)
This period is crucial for applying dormant oil spray. It is a horticultural oil recommended by arborists. It tends to suffocate overwintering insect eggs and larvae such as:
- Aphids
- Scale insects
- Mites
- Leafhoppers
These tiny threats lie dormant on bark, branches and even within bud scales. Apply the spray before the bud break (when temperatures are consistently above 40°F) . If timed right, it is one of the most effective organic insect control methods to opt for.
Mid to Late Spring (April – May)
Once leaves and buds appear, switch to fungicidal sprays. You can also use early-season insecticides. During this phase, trees are highly susceptible to fungal diseases like:
- Apple scab
- Anthracnose
- Cedar-apple rust
- Powdery mildew
Copper-based or sulphur-based fungicides are an ideal option to reduce fungal spores. Moreover, insect growth regulators can also be used to deter pests like caterpillars, tent worms, and sawflies.
Spring spraying should be done on a bi-weekly basis during heavy pest periods. Do this after rain to wash off any earlier applications. This is also when tree borers begin laying eggs in stressed trees. Soil drenching using systemic insecticides like imidacloprid through soil drenching can also protect your trees from the inside out for months.
SUMMER TREE SPRAYING: The Battle Against Active Infestations
Summer spraying is all about control as pests do not hide anymore. They feed and multiply
Early Summer (June)
This is the time when attacks of scale insects (especially soft scale), spider mites, and leafrollers are at their peak. They suck sap from leaves and stems. This causes leaf curling, yellowing and premature leaf drop.
A mix of horticultural oils, pyrethrin, or neem oil-based insecticides can help to reduce their number. This too without harming beneficial insects when you apply early in the morning or evening to prevent leaf burn.
Mid to Late Summer (July – August)
Summer heat creates ideal conditions for powdery mildew and leaf spot. It also creates sooty mold. Opt for fungal control by using systemic fungicides. You can use targeted sprays as well.
Always rotate active ingredients in insecticides. This avoids resistance build-up. Also monitor trees weekly for signs like:
- Chewed leaves
- Webbing
- Sap trails
- Wilting
Systemic insecticides are still useful now, especially if you have missed them in spring., But the best go-to options are foliar sprays which knock down visible infestations. Avoid spraying during peak sun hours. Plus, do make sure trees are well-hydrated before application. This reduces chemical stress and ensures better absorption of nutrients.
FALL TREE SPRAYING: Disease Prevention and Overwintering Defense
As tree growth slows down and leaves begin to drop. Don’t think the job is done. Fall is the hidden secret season for strong tree health. In this season, the focus is to prevent disease and target overwintering threats before dormancy.
Early Fall (September)
This is your final window for foliar feeding. Using sprays rich in micronutrients like zinc, magnesium, and iron to help trees recover from summer stress. Foliar nutrients improve root development and increase resistance to diseases before winters arrive. You can also apply bio-fungicides to reduce spore loads of common fall and spring fungi like:
- Leaf blotch
- Rusts
- Blight
These fungi often go dormant. They reactivate next spring and interrupt their lifecycle early.
Late Fall (October – November)
Once most leaves have dropped, it is time again for dormant oil spraying. This second dormant oil spray targets overwintering egg masses and scale covers. Spray the soil and trunk base with insecticidal soap or beneficial nematodes. This attack soil-dwelling pests like:
- Root aphids
- Bark beetles
- Grubs
Don’t forget to inspect the bark for signs of borer entry holes. Also, check for sap bleeding or woodpecker activity.
Safety & Application Tips
Tree spraying can be effective. But one should know when to apply correctly:
- Proper PPE must be worn while spraying.
- Read the application conditions before using it.
- Do not spray in windy conditions or rain.
- Make sure your children and pets are away while you spray.
- Consider all environmental and organic alternatives when treating trees, such as using low-impact-selective pesticides.
Why Seasonal Spraying Matters Year-Round
Spraying does not just eliminate pests but also year-long tree resilience. Each seasonal spray has a specific role:
- Spring defends young growth and prevents early infestations.
- Summer fights active threats and fungal outbreaks.
- Fall strengthens the tree and eliminates pests planning to overwinter.
Skipping spraying opens the door to pest cycles and causes irreparable damage. DIY spraying can be tempting but it is often hard to judge timing, dosage, and target accuracy without prior knowledge and tools.
Conclusion
A consistent and strategic tree spraying schedule is the frontline of defense to protect trees. It fights against many problems like pests, stress, and even damage that occurs due to a changing climate. When done correctly, homeowners get to protect their long-term investments and boost the aesthetic appeal of their properties.
Want to avail of expert seasonal tree spraying services? Contact our arborists at Manhattan Tree Services. We design customized spraying plans to boost the health of your trees and protect them from all sorts of pest problems.
