Features of treating apple trees with iron sulfate in spring

Why process?

Treating apple trees with ferrous sulfate helps protect them from most pests—aphids, butterflies, beetles, and caterpillars—and prevents the development of fungal diseases. Furthermore, if treated promptly, you can save not only the foliage but even the ripening fruit.

When to spray

When spraying fruit trees with a solution of ferrous sulfate, it is important to choose the right time – an untimely procedure will most likely cost the entire crop or most of it.

Spring treatment begins after the snow melts and continues until the buds begin to swell and the air temperature reaches at least 5 degrees Celsius. In early spring, pay special attention to the apple tree bark, as the larvae of numerous pests like to overwinter in its crevices. It's important to treat the trees with a solution prepared the same day, otherwise the plant may burn.

The next stage occurs during flowering and is designed to protect emerging buds from fungal infections. Once the apple trees have finished blooming, they require another spraying, this time to prevent insect infestations. The final treatment of the year is carried out in the fall, when the trees have shed their leaves.

How to prepare a solution

The concentration of the prepared iron sulfate solution will depend on the purposes for which the liquid will be used:

• Treatment of apple trees with iron sulfate in early spring is carried out with a solution prepared from 5 g of powder and 10 liters of water;
• ferrous sulfate for treating apple tree wounds, disinfecting hollows and whitewashing trunks, is prepared at a rate of 0.5 kg of powder per 10 liters of water;
• The same dosage – 500 g per 10 l of water – is used to treat apple trees against black cancer, scab, moss, lichen and gray rot.

Spraying instructions

Ferrous sulfate solution is highly acidic, which can cause burns on apple tree leaves if used in excess. Pour the prepared solution into a spray bottle or mister, and begin treatment immediately. As already mentioned, the prepared liquid must be used immediately after preparation, otherwise it will lose its properties.

To maximize the effectiveness of the treatment, don't forget to spray the soil around the treated apple tree—the surface of the soil harbors many pests and their larvae that need to be controlled. Just remember to collect all fallen leaves beforehand, otherwise the treatment won't produce the desired results. And, of course, choose dry, windless weather, evening hours, or early morning for spraying apple trees.

Precautionary measures

The toxicity of ferrous sulfate is much lower than, for example, that of copper sulfate. However, this doesn't mean safety precautions are unnecessary during use: avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes, store the powder separately from food, and never use food containers to prepare the solution.

If the finished product comes into contact with your skin, be sure to rinse the area with plenty of water, and if irritation occurs, consult a doctor.

Every gardener who follows all the necessary steps for caring for fruit trees is sure to be rewarded with a bountiful autumn harvest. We are confident that you, dear reader, are just such a responsible fruit tree lover, truly valuing your garden. Treat your trees with love, care for them, and you will be surprised by the amount of delicious and healthy fruit you will harvest in the fall. We wish you effective care and a bountiful harvest!

Video: "Treating Trees with Iron Sulfate"

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