Knowledgebase
Apple tree care #927500
Asked April 04, 2026, 12:28 PM EDT
Benton County Oregon
Expert Response
Your first spray depends on what you’re trying to prevent (diseases like apple scab vs. insects like aphids/scale/codling moth).
In general, The first spray would be during the dormant season / late winter—before buds open—because it targets overwintering insects/eggs and disease spores and beneficial insects are less active then. It's too late for dormant sprays this year.
Here are the main spray times for apples:
1. Late winter (dormant; before budbreak):
--Horticultural/dormant oil for scale, aphids, and mite eggs
-- Wettable sulfur is commonly used for apple scab during dormancy (don’t combine with oil).
2. Green tip → Pink (just before blossoms open):
-- If you have a history of apple scab, this is when protectant sprays are timed (products vary).
3. Petal fall (after blossoms drop):
This is a key timing window for several pests and is also when codling moth control programs commonly begin. To protect pollinators/bees, do not spray while the trees are in bloom.
I want to stress that you do not need to spray for all possibilities. Only spray for diseases or insects that have been a problem in the past. I've attached a link to an OSU publication that list the spray times for common diseases and insects. This link will take you to the main document: Click on Apples to get specific information.
Managing Diseases and Insects in Your Home Garden: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/ec-631-managing-diseases-insects-home-orchards
(if the link doesn't work, do a google search on OSU EC 631)
You should be able to purchase lures at your local nursery or big box stores.
Happy Gardening!