Dormant oil is a highly effective treatment for protecting your plants in Tennessee from insects. It is a horticultural oil that eliminates pests by coating them and blocking their access to oxygen. Dormant oil should be applied in late winter before new growth begins to prevent overwintering insects from causing damage. Hiring professionals to apply dormant oil is recommended, as they have the expertise and equipment to ensure proper application and coverage. By using dormant oil, you can effectively control pests and protect your plants from infestations, promoting healthier and more vibrant growth in your garden.

What is dormant oil, and how does it work?

Green aphid eating a hole in a leaf on a property in Memphis, TN.

Dormant oil is a highly effective treatment used to protect plants from insects. It is a type of horticultural oil that is applied to plants during their dormant period to suffocate and kill overwintering insects and their eggs.

When applied to plants, dormant oil works by coating the insects and their eggs, blocking their access to oxygen and effectively suffocating them. It also disrupts the insect's ability to feed and reproduce, further reducing their population. The oil forms a thin film on the plant's surface, providing a protective barrier against insects and their eggs. Dormant oil is particularly effective against soft-bodied insects such as aphids, spider mites, and scale insects.

When should dormant oil be applied to your trees and shrubs?

Dormant oil should be applied to trees and shrubs during their dormant period, which is typically in late winter, before new growth begins. This is the time when insects and their eggs are most vulnerable to the effects of the oil. Applying dormant oil during this period helps to prevent the overwintering insects from causing damage to the plant in the coming growing season. It is important to note that dormant oil should not be applied to plants when they are actively growing or when the temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Hire professionals to apply dormant oil to your trees and shrubs.

While dormant oil is relatively safe to use, it is important to follow the instructions carefully to ensure proper application. It is also important to wear protective clothing and equipment, such as gloves and goggles, to prevent any contact with the oil.

If you are unsure about how to apply dormant oil or if you have a large number of trees and shrubs that need treatment, it may be best to hire professionals to apply the oil. Professional pest control companies have the knowledge and experience to properly apply the oil and ensure that it is done safely and effectively.

In addition to applying dormant oil, professionals can also provide other pest control services, such as regular inspections and treatments, to help keep your plants healthy and free from insects. They can also provide advice on how to prevent future infestations and maintain a healthy garden.

Hiring professionals to apply dormant oil can ensure that it is done safely and effectively, protecting your trees and shrubs from insects.

Call us today to schedule our tree and shrub disease and insect control service!

If you are looking for a reliable and effective way to protect your plants from insects, enroll in our tree and shrub disease and insect control service. Our team of experienced professionals will apply dormant oil to your plants during their dormant period to effectively control pests and prevent infestations. This service is offered to residential and commercial property owners, as well as HOAs, in Memphis, TN, and surrounding areas such as Midtown Memphis and East Memphis. Call us today at (901) 246-7656 to schedule this service and keep your plants healthy and vibrant!