Treat trees and shrubs naturally in winter

With the cold season, trees, ornamental shrubs and roses on one side, but also fruit trees on the other, seem spared from summer diseases and pests. Do not be fooled by appearances because, well hidden and sheltered, they are waiting for the warm weather to strike again. Flush them out with natural products.

Winter is a good time to treat, if the weather is good.
The gardener has a little time, the interventions are carried out at a distance from the harvests and limit those to be done during the growing season. The operation involves first removing the eggs, parasite larvae and disease spores. To do this, before spraying the products on the trunks and large branches of fruit trees, ornamental shrubs and large trees, get rid of the lichens and moss that cling to them (Example: cleaning the bark of the pear tree). They are not directly dangerous, but shelter the overwintering forms of parasites or diseases, and hinder the good penetration of the treatments in the cracks of the bark.
Treat roses and conifers as well.

The different natural treatments

In winter and until bud break, use organic products such as lime- based solutions to fight against fungi and white oils (rapeseed, with insecticidal properties) .
They get rid of the eggs and larvae of many parasites (aphid, codling moth, psyllid) or disease spores (powdery mildew, scab).
It will also be necessary to provide specific care for certain tree species depending on the diseases to which they are particularly prone.
Also think about horsetail or nettle decoctions , real natural fortifiers to make yourself. 

Take the weather into account

To be effective, winter treatments are carried out during a mild period, without the risk of rain in the days to come. This would run off the treatment before it had time to act; it needs to stay in contact with pests and diseases present on trees and shrubs. Likewise, store the products if the wind is raging: during the application, they would be deflected, including in your direction. Do not treat, either, during severe frosts, as liquid treatments will make the buds and bark more sensitive to cold.

Shelter the auxiliaries

Some of the pests are eliminated by animals that are easily attracted to your garden.
Insectivorous birds (chickadees, nuthatches, creepers) devour the eggs and larvae of parasites (aphids, carpocapses, flies, mites) which overwinter in bark crevices. In summer, they take care of adults and caterpillars.
Bats catch many insects in flight.
Ladybugs, lacewings and earwigs appreciate aphids, while hedgehogs delight in slugs and snails.

To welcome these precious allies, provide them with natural shelters such as: country hedges , piles of wood, bundles of twigs with hollow wood or pith , evergreen shrubs… Install nesting boxes, bird feeders , shelters suitable for ladybugs, lacewings and hedgehogs in the garden .