WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST?
It’s not perfect, but if you’re looking for an all-around pesticide to apply to your apple trees, perhaps Surround WP might work. Surround is mostly kaolin clay and is far less toxic than other pesticides. It forms a barrier or film that protects the tree from both insect and solar damage. My trees receive a lot of sunlight, so an added benefit is the reflective white residue that protects the tree from summer’s blazing sun. Follow the label, but I begin spraying at “petal fall” and repeat as needed.
Ryan Trapani
Director of Forest Services
Catskill Forest Association