Spraying Fruit Trees with Bonide® Fruit Tree Spray: Why, When, and How To

Growing fruit trees at home is incredibly rewarding—few things compare to picking your own apples, peaches, or plums fresh from the branch. However, producing healthy, beautiful fruit requires ongoing care, especially when it comes to managing pests and diseases. One of the most effective tools for protecting fruit trees is Bonide® Fruit Tree Spray, a broad-spectrum insecticide and fungicide solution. When used properly, it helps prevent damage from common threats like apple maggots, aphids, plum curculio, codling moths, and various fungal infections. In this guide, we’ll cover why you should use it, when to apply it, and how to do it safely and effectively.

Why Use Bonide Fruit Tree Spray?

Bonide Fruit Tree Spray is a concentrated, multipurpose product designed to control both insects and diseases. It contains a blend of active ingredients, including captan (a fungicide), malathion (an insecticide), and carbaryl (another insecticide), making it especially effective for a wide range of fruit-bearing trees. It works on apples, cherries, peaches, pears, plums, and even grapes.

The primary reasons to use Bonide Fruit Tree Spray include:

• Preventing insect damage: Many pests begin feeding on fruit trees long before you ever see symptoms. Spraying helps break their life cycles.
• Fungus control: Conditions like apple scab, peach leaf curl, and brown rot can ruin entire harvests. Bonide® spray helps prevent these issues.
• Improved fruit quality: By controlling disease and insect pressure, you ensure cleaner, healthier fruit that’s more likely to reach full maturity.
• Plant longevity: Ongoing issues with pests and diseases can stunt tree growth or even lead to death. Regular care keeps your trees strong year after year.

Tip: You can pick up Bonide® Fruit Tree Spray at your local Strader’s Garden Center. Our team can help you choose the right spray and tools to match your specific fruit trees.

When to Spray Fruit Trees

Timing is critical when using any kind of fruit tree spray, and Bonide is no exception. The goal is to intercept pests and pathogens early, before they can do lasting damage. The specific spray schedule may vary based on the type of fruit tree and local climate, but here’s a general guideline for most home orchards:

1. Dormant Season (Late Winter / Early Spring):
   • Purpose: Apply horticultural oil to smother overwintering insect eggs and scale.
   • Note: Bonide Fruit Tree Spray is not typically used here, but this step preps your tree.

      

2. Green Tip to Pre-Bloom (Early Spring):
   • Apply Bonide Spray once buds start to swell but before blossoms open.
   • This helps stop fungal spores and early insects before they take hold.

      

3. Post-Bloom (After Petals Fall):
   • This is one of the most important spray windows. Avoid spraying when bees are active to prevent harming pollinators.
   • Spray after petals drop and pollination is complete to protect young fruit from codling moths and other pests.

      

4. Mid-Season (Every 10–14 Days):
   • Continue spraying every two weeks or after heavy rain, especially if pests or disease pressure is high.
   • Stop spraying 2 weeks before harvest to allow residues to break down and ensure fruit is safe to eat.

How to Apply Bonide® Fruit Tree Spray

Using Bonide spray effectively involves preparation, proper mixing, and safe application. Follow these steps:

1. Read the Label Carefully:
   • The label will indicate safe usage for your specific tree type and outline re-entry intervals and harvest timelines.
2. Mix the Spray:
   • Bonide Fruit Tree Spray is a concentrate and must be diluted with water. Typical mix rates are 1½ to 2½ tablespoons per gallon of water. Shake or stir well.
3. Use a Garden Sprayer:
   • A pump sprayer or backpack sprayer works well for small to medium trees. Make sure the nozzle delivers a fine mist for good coverage.
4. Apply Evenly:
   • Spray the tree from top to bottom, coating all leaves, branches, and especially the underside of leaves where pests hide. Avoid dripping or runoff.
5. Spray on Calm, Dry Days:
   • Windy or rainy conditions reduce spray effectiveness and can result in drift. Aim for early morning or evening when temps are cooler and bees are less active.

Final Tips for Success

• Wear protective clothing: gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection are essential.
• Store safely: Keep the concentrate in its original container, out of reach of children and pets.
• Rotate products: To prevent pest resistance, consider alternating Bonide with other compatible sprays in long-term management.

Whether you’re just starting out or have a well-established backyard orchard, Bonide® Fruit Tree Spray is an essential part of your seasonal tree care. Used correctly and consistently, it helps ensure cleaner fruit, healthier trees, and fewer pest-related headaches. For personalized advice or to pick up a bottle, visit Strader’s Garden Center—we’re happy to help you grow your best fruit yet!