What do you use for winter prep?

[JudyB]

I've never done any preparatory spraying or fert. changing for winter storage before, just basic cleaning of soil and branching before winter storage. ( I use a balanced urea free fert, basically up until they go into the cold greenhouse normally)

It's been a long hard summer on all my trees, they are all basically in shut down mode from the heat/wind/dry air that is uncharacteristic for this area. Usually we have the heat (not as high heat and not for as long normally) but coupled with more humidity. I assume that most will attempt to do some recovery growth, once the lower temps come in (soon I hope).

I'm wondering if there is anything that I can do to de-stress them and get them ready for next years growth as I prepare for winter. I also know that some folks use sprays for different things, what do you use and why?

 

[cmeg1]

I am very new to this(actually having trees for 2 years and not tossing them),but I like to give micro nutrients and beneficial bacteria and fungi(in the form of Plant Success' 'Great White'),the micro nutrients I use are from Earth Juice 'Microblast'.I use the Microblast cause' I read that pines like them in the cold season(I do water alot in winter ,it seems, and I would hate to wash everything out of the soil).I use Great White for the beneficial fungi that grow around pine roots and for the root stimulant that is in the product.I have a smaller collection and do not use insecticide.I just spray on some fungicide,Ortho Garden Disease Control, and it seems to work great for my pine,elm and chojubai.

 

[Dav4]

I keep fertilizing with my regular fert every 7 to 10 days right up until the end of the growing season, which for me here in GA, is late October into early November. The one thing that I have started doing going into winter is applying a dormant spray, which will be repeated in Fenruary. As my teacher here has told me, coming out of the dormant period pest free is one of the best ways to avoid pest related issues during the subsequent growing season.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Ditto here. I'll add that I switch to a low N fertilizer in October...Blue Mountain Organics on eBay has a great 1-8-7 I've been happy with. If your fertilizer is lacking in micronutrients, pump them up a bit with supplements. I use Eco-vie.

I also spray my storage area several times with insecticide, and before putting them away, I spray all trees with lime sulfur spray. Diluted to about 1/8 cup per gallon, it is a fungicide and insecticide. I also use neem oil a few times during the winter just to keep ahead of any early rising critters.

 

[fore]

Brian, do you use Eco-vie as directed in diluting it up? How often do you apply over the yr? I just got a bottle yesterday as I'm a strong believer in micro nutrient supplementation.