Neem/Dormant oil question

[Paradox]

When do you recommend applying it?

What species to you apply it to?
Junipers? Pines? Both? Deciduous?

Thanks

 

[Dav4]

I apply to all my conifers here in N.GA in Late November to early December, and repeat in late February as things start to grow. My thoughts for you would be to apply when you winterize your trees, and again as they come out of storage.

 

[lordy]

I spray my deciduous trees as I put them in their storage area for the winter, in my area I target Thanksgiving. I was under the impression that dormant oil can effect the color of conifer foliage, but certainly DAV4 would know of this, and he sprays his. I dont have many and never spray them.

 

[Dav4]

I spray my deciduous trees as I put them in their storage area for the winter, in my area I target Thanksgiving. I was under the impression that dormant oil can effect the color of conifer foliage, but certainly DAV4 would know of this, and he sprays his. I dont have many and never spray them.

Yes, it does change the foliage color, particularly for junipers. Spider mites forced my hand here, and dormant oil is non toxic, so I prefer it to more noxious chemicals used as a preventative.

 

[lordy]

Yes, it does change the foliage color, particularly for junipers. Spider mites forced my hand here, and dormant oil is non toxic, so I prefer it to more noxious chemicals used as a preventative.

Dav4, is the foliage color change a negative to you? I would presume that it simply makes it darker green, similar to the effect rain has on pavement. But if that were the case, you would think people would do it intentionally.

 

[october]

Bonide makes an all seasons horticultural oil. You can use it at almost anytime of the year. It is hightly effective in killing scale and mites. I think that the only precautions are to not spray when it is about 90 degrees F or below 35 degrees F or something like that.

I have noticed it tends to make junipers such as procumbens and san jose a bit neon green in color. However, it is not bad. As always, read the label thoroughly.

Rob

 

[Dav4]

Dav4, is the foliage color change a negative to you? I would presume that it simply makes it darker green, similar to the effect rain has on pavement. But if that were the case, you would think people would do it intentionally.

It didn't result in a significant change on my shimpakus and San Jose, but it completely turned the bluish foliage of my Rocky Mountain Junipers to a dull green...pretty ugly.

 

[davetree]

Yes it can ruin the blue color of some junipers. I think it takes a long time to fix.

 

[Neli]

What does dormant oil do exactly to trees? Insecticide?

 

[Dav4]

What does dormant oil do exactly to trees? Insecticide?

It covers the bugs and their eggs and starves them of oxygen, suffocating them.

 

[mcpesq817]

Hi Dav4,

I've heard some have concerns that the oil can clog the pores of pine needles. Are you using it successfully on pines? Thanks!

 

[coh]

Not Dave, but I can say that I've used oil spray on pines without any problems. Have never heard of pore clogging being an issue - perhaps with the older, heavier oils but now the oils are more highly refined and lighter. I've read through a few cooperative extension sites and they all recommend oil sprays for pines to control mites, scale, sawflies. Generally the warnings I see are regarding maples (possible leaf damage) and spruce (removes blue coloring, similar to what people have experienced with junipers). Having said that, I have to admit that neem oil may behave differently, since it has other chemicals (derived from the neem plant) in it. I haven't used it and would recommend caution and testing before applying to an entire collection.

One reference about oil sprays in general (there are many other similar sites): http://byf.unl.edu/Dormantoil

Chris

 

[Dav4]

Hi Dav4,

I've heard some have concerns that the oil can clog the pores of pine needles. Are you using it successfully on pines? Thanks!

I use the Sunspray Ultra fine horticutural oil...http://www.bugspray.net/labels/ultra_fine_oil_label.pdf

I've used it on my JBP without issue.

 

[Paradox]

Awesome discussion. Thanks guys.

I picked up a bottle of neem oil earlier this year. Ill try that.

 

[Neli]

I thought it induces dormancy...Thanks...