The chill in the air reminds gardeners that it’s time to start winter chores. Spraying of dormant oils on deciduous fruit and nut trees, roses and other ornamentals can diminish the incidence of ...

Mid-March to early April, just before growth begins, is the best time to prune fruit trees. At this time, winter damage to fresh cuts is reduced and sealing of cut surfaces by the tree itself is ...

WITH THE SEVEN reasons to prune last week, you should be ready to start pruning. With this in mind, let us take some time to explain dormant oil spray and then explain the two types of cuts in pruning ...

Q. I am confused about when and how to apply dormant oil. What pests does it control? A. Dormant oil is used to “smother” the overwintering stages of insects such as spider mites, scales, mealybugs, ...

We have two cherry trees in our yard and have rarely gotten any cherries from them because of a slug-type bug. We were advised to spray them with dormant oil, but we don't know when to do that. Also ...

Q: This is a picture of our dogwood tree with white growths on it. Your help is appreciated. A: Your dogwood tree has a healthy case of scale insects. Scale insects attach themselves to the host plant ...

Many gardeners, as well as the horticulturists at the Chicago Botanic Garden, had issues with magnolia scale last year, and it’s a pest to watch closely for in 2025. The Garden’s plant health care ...