October is the time when the garden goes to sleep, but right now the foundation for the future harvest is being laid. While the last leaves are swirling in the cool air and the branches are becoming bare, it's time to give the trees a final treatment. A simple composition that is easy to prepare with your own hands will protect apple, pear and plum trees from diseases and pests, giving them strength for wintering and active growth in the spring.
The basis of the miracle solution is urea. This is not just a fertilizer – in high concentration it burns out the spores of fungal diseases, larvae and eggs of pests that have settled for the winter in bark cracks and tree trunk circles. The composition is complemented by copper sulfate – a proven remedy against scab, moniliosis and other misfortunes. The duo of these components works as a powerful disinfectant, but does not harm the environment.
Preparation of the solution:
- 500 g of urea is dissolved in 5 liters of warm water.
- Add 100 g of copper sulfate, previously diluted in 1 liter of hot water.
- Mix both solutions and bring the volume to 10 liters.
- Strain thoroughly through cheesecloth.
Spraying is carried out on a windless day after complete leaf fall. It is important to arrive before the first frost. The solution is generously moistened with the trunk, skeletal branches and soil in the tree trunk circle. Particular attention is paid to cracks in the bark; this is where most pests overwinter.
Treated trees not only get rid of uninvited guests, but also receive a charge of nitrogen, which will help them grow faster in the spring. The bark becomes cleaner, healthier, and spring awakening occurs a week or two earlier than usual.
Is it possible to spray after frost?
Not recommended – the effectiveness of the solution is reduced, and frozen bark can cause burns.
Is this solution suitable for stone fruit trees?
Yes, but for cherries and plums the urea concentration should be reduced to 300 g per 10 liters of water.
What to do if it rains after treatment?
Repeat spraying after 2-3 days, as rain washes away most of the active substances.
