Winter washing fruit trees involves spraying them with a mixture of plant oils diluted with water – you’ll find the concentrated solution in garden centres.
Spraying in this way can help control pests and diseases by knocking out overwintering eggs, removing debris and reducing fungal spores. It’s especially useful for controlling aphids and woolly aphids on fruit trees like apples, cherries and plums. However you may also remove overwintering aphid predators such as queen wasps, as well as other hibernating wildlife.
Related content:
Follow our guide to winter washing trees, below.
You Will Need
- Winter wash solution
- Measuring jug
- Pressure sprayer
- Soft brush
Total time:
Step 1
Read the directions for use to get the measurement for the concentrate right, and pour it into the sprayer.
Step 2
Add the right amount of water to dilute the concentrate and shake to mix it well. Wipe up any drips from the outside of the sprayer. Prepare to spray on a dry, still day.
Step 3
Spray the wash into all the bark crevices around buds and the joints of branches. If necessary, use a soft brush.
Safety first
Wear protective gloves and goggles winter washing your trees, and avoid breathing in the spray.
