Knowledgebase
Pesticide use for peach trees #900524
Asked May 07, 2025, 5:46 PM EDT
Mecosta County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello James,
Let's break this down safely and carefully for your peach tree concerns. While the search results don't specifically address peach trees, I can share some important principles about pesticide use in home orchards:
For weed control under the tree, it's better to avoid chemical herbicides near fruit trees. Instead, consider:
Using organic mulch around the tree base (keeping it away from the trunk)
Hand-pulling weeds
Using landscape fabric beneath mulch
Regarding predator control and general tree care:
Neem oil is generally considered a safer organic option for fruit trees when appropriately used, but it must be applied according to label instructions
Any sprays should be stopped several weeks before harvest to ensure food safety
For the Ortho fruit tree concentration, you'll need to check the specific product's pre-harvest interval (PHI) on the label. This tells you how many days must pass between the last application and harvest.
I hope this helps!