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2 Espaliered Apple trees #857713

Asked January 23, 2024, 2:46 PM EST

We moved into a home with 2 espaliered apple trees. Last year there was little fruit. Not one apple was disease free. When is the best time to spray Dormant? For insects? For coddle moths? Best time to fertilize? Soil test

Clackamas County Oregon

Expert Response

Good afternoon Sally, and thanks for Contacting Ask Extension! 

Dormant Sprays should be done in the dormant or delayed dormant stage. For most apple varieties, you would be looking at December-January. However, always check the label and monitor the tree for bud development. 


Regarding insect sprays, I would start monitoring for Coddling Moth and Apple Maggot in the spring. Both can be monitored via pheromone traps. If you are starting to see either species, then it may be time to spray. 


Soil testing should be done in the spring, or in the fall. You are looking at fertilization levels either before the season or just after. Whichever you decide to do, make sure to stick with the timing. 


Fertilization usually starts in the middle or later part of spring. 


Thanks! 

Logan 

Thank you, Replied January 29, 2024, 3:17 PM EST

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