Vitax 500ml Winter Tree Wash

Product Information

Encourage aphid predators in the garden, such as ladybirds, ground beetles, hoverflies, parasitoid wasps and earwigs. Be aware that in spring aphid populations often build up before natural enemies are active in sufficient numbers and then give good control Another thing to bear in mind is that even a thorough washing will not necessarily be 100% effective. Such a solution is not a viable alternative to good long term garden maintenance. Alternatives to Winter Washing Your Fruit Trees Apply this on a cool calm day November to February when there're no leaves on the trees. This will clear the tree up ready for the spring. Plant invigorators combine nutrients to stimulate plant growth with surfactants or fatty acids that have a physical mode of action against aphids (e.g. Ecofective Bug Control, Growing Success Bug Stop, Rose Clear 3 in 1 Action SB Plant Invigorator and Westland Resolva Natural Power Bug & Mildew). These products contain some synthetic ingredients and so are not considered organic Not all moths fly, which is why glue bands and tree barrier glues are very effective measures against destructive caterpillars. The caterpillars of winter moth are often the culprit behind holey leaves on plums, apples and other trees in spring. They will also damage developing fruits, so that they either drop while still immature, or grow misshapen, scarred and sometimes holed. Caterpillar damage can be avoided by using glue bands

In addition to Winter Tree Wash, Vitax has formulated Fruit Tree Grease to specifically deter winter moths and other fruit tree loving insects. We independently research, review, and recommend the best products. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more.Winter is also the time to replace rotten stakes, broken supporting wires on which wall-trained fruits are growing, and frayed tree ties. Stems and trunks swell as they grow, so existing tree ties may need loosening to prevent them digging into the bark or rubbing it and opening the door to fungal infection.

This natural, plant oil-based treatment is highly effective at dramatically reducing pest numbers. It is safe around pets and children, and by applying it at this time of year it will have minimal impact on other wildlife. Spray it directly onto the bark on a still, windless day, covering all of the branchwork to leave no escape. Don't forget to wear a mask and gloves to protect yourself from drifting spray. Gather your materials: You will need a water hose, a sprayer or a garden sprayer, a solution of water and horticultural oil Vitax winter wash or Jeyes Fluid, and a ladder if your tree is tall.

The tree should be washed by starting from the top and working your way down. Gently scrub the bark and branches with the brush or cloth, paying attention to areas where dirt has built up. If you spot any pests, make sure you’re applying a trusted winter wash formula.

One simple way to protect your trees during the winter is by giving them a ‘winter wash’. As you might expect, this involves removing the dirt, dust, and debris that may have built up on the tree’s bark and leaves. Not only does this help prevent pests and diseases, but it also allows for better air and light penetration, which can help the tree stay healthy.Although this method is not fully organic as it’s a winter operation it will not affect any bees plus will reduce the need to treat the apple trees in the spring and summer.

Some aphids, for example woolly aphid, and brown peach aphid, do not have a summer host and instead remain on fruit trees throughout the year. As leaves tumble to reveal bare branches, nights become longer and frosts fiercer, it can be tempting to believe that pests are no longer on the prowl. But late autumn and early winter is a crucial time of year for preventative pest control on fruit trees. Spray the tree: Use the sprayer to apply the solution to the entire tree, including the trunk and branches. Make sure to cover all surfaces of the tree, including the top and bottom of the leaves.Some pests will overwinter in leaf litter or in the soil around your fruit trees so they can be near to their food source when spring comes around. Good garden hygiene is the answer. Rake up all fallen leaves and compost them away from your trees to foil pests such as apple blossom weevil, which can destroy flowers and ruin your fruit crop. Vitax winter wash is organic however if the tree is heavily infected with pests from the summer we often use Jeyes fluid. Prepare the solution: Mix the horticultural oil with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The solution should typically be around 2-3% horticultural oil and 97-98% water. The GardenAdvice team are often asked about apple trees by a lot of clients, the key really is to set them up in the later autumn and winter months which will generate some great fruit later in the autumn.