Instructions for treating apple trees with copper sulfate in spring

Why spray?

The most important thing any gardener should do in their garden is spray their fruit trees (apple, cherry, plum, etc.) with chemicals or folk remedies. Why do this?

In spring, when the snow melts and warm weather sets in, many insect pests and disease pathogens begin to awaken from hibernation. Parasites and pathogenic microflora typically overwinter in bark, buds, and soil. Therefore, spring treatment of plantings results in direct contact between chemicals and pathogens and pests, causing their death.

In the spring, you need to treat your garden with various preparations to achieve the following goals:

• disease prevention;
• protection of bushes and trees from parasites.

By using effective products and spraying correctly, you can protect your garden from the most common diseases and insect pests. Copper sulfate effectively protects plants from scab, moniliosis, and various types of spotting.

When to process

Gardeners spray their apple trees in spring, summer, and fall. Regardless of the time chosen for this treatment, the use of chemicals effectively eliminates pests and pathogens throughout the season and at various stages of development.

Spring treatment of apple trees is most important. The trees should be sprayed for the first time before bud break. This involves removing any accumulated moss from the trunk and performing preventative pruning. When treating trees with solutions (such as copper sulfate), pay special attention to cuts and damaged areas. These are the entry points for pathogens and pests to enter the tree. Subsequent spring treatments are performed at the following times:

• The second spraying is carried out after the buds appear. It is necessary to spray before the leaves develop;
• the third spraying is carried out after the foliage appears;
• The fourth time, the plantings are treated during bud formation. This spraying can be divided into two stages. About 2-3 weeks should pass between treatments.

It's advisable to use different tree treatments each time. For example, iron or copper sulfate is used for the first spraying. Subsequent sprayings should be done with different chemicals.

In summer, additional treatments can be performed on the garden when the first signs of disease or insects are noticed. During this period, such treatments are performed only when necessary.

Fall apple tree treatment is no less important in garden maintenance. The quality of this treatment determines the fruit trees' entry into the new season, as well as the severity of their infestation with pathogenic microorganisms and parasites. In the fall, as in the spring, a solution of copper sulfate or nitrofen is used to spray the trees.

How to make a solution

Copper sulfate is the most commonly used treatment for apple trees year-round. It can be used on any fruit crop, including trees and shrubs. However, for the treatment to be effective, the solution must be prepared correctly. Depending on the disease and the plant, the solution must be prepared in different concentrations.

Copper sulfate (copper sulfate) is a blue or light blue powder. To spray apple, quince, and pear trees, dissolve 100 grams of this substance in 10 liters of water. To disinfect the roots of seedlings, soak the plants in this solution for 3 minutes. If disinfecting the soil around fruit trees, dissolve 5 grams of the blue substance in 10 liters of water. To improve the solubility of the powder, add it gradually.

Before preparing the solution, make sure the product hasn't expired. Trees should only be treated with freshly prepared solution. It is not recommended to use previously prepared solution.

Instructions for use

Copper sulfate, like iron sulfate, comes with instructions for use. It's essential to read these instructions before using it to spray plants.

When working with this substance, the following rules, as given in the instructions for it, must be observed:

• mandatory compliance with safety precautions when working with the substance;
• the spray solution should be used in the evening or in the morning;
• the weather on the day of treatment should be windless and dry;
• operating temperature range: +5–30 degrees;
• The remaining solution must not be poured into a well or pond, as copper sulfate is a toxic and poisonous substance;
• The trees being treated must be sprayed evenly.

By following these rules and recommendations for using copper sulfate, you can effectively and safely protect your apple orchard from diseases and pests.

Precautionary measures

When using copper sulfate as a treatment for apple trees and other fruit crops, it is necessary to remember the following precautions:

• The treatment must be performed only while wearing protective gloves and goggles. A respirator must be worn on the face;
• children and animals are removed from the area;
• During spraying, do not eat, smoke or drink;
• After work, hands and face are washed well with soap.

Proper treatment of apple trees with copper or iron sulfate in the spring will minimize tree infestations by parasites and diseases.

Video: "Treating Apple Trees with Copper Sulfate"

This video will show you how to properly treat apple trees with copper sulfate.