For fruit trees, topical sprays labeled for fruit are usually the practical choice, because the systemic treatments TreeHelp carries are set up for shade and ornamental trees rather than food crops. Systemic control wins on convenience and avoiding drift, while topical control wins on being labeled for the fruit itself, at the cost of more frequent applications.

How do systemic and topical insect controls differ?

A systemic insecticide is absorbed by the roots or trunk and carried through the tree's vascular system, so insects that feed on the tree ingest it. A topical insecticide stays on the leaves, bark, and fruit where it is sprayed, and drift can carry it onto plants growing beneath the canopy.

What are the pros and cons of systemic control on a fruit tree?

The pros are no spray drift or runoff and a single application each year. The cons weigh more on a fruit tree: the insecticide reaches bees foraging on treated blooms, and where a tree bears fruit, the Multi Insect Killer Tree Injection Kit is ruled out, since it should not be applied to food bearing plants.

What are the pros and cons of topical control on a fruit tree?

The main pro is a label that covers fruit, and the main con is reapplication. A 16 oz bottle of EIGHT Insect Control, Vegetable, Fruit and Flower Concentrate makes about 8 gallons for fruit and nut trees and works for up to 4 weeks, while spraying Horticultural Oil Insect Spray onto bare bark before buds break smothers overwintering scale, mites, and aphid eggs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a systemic soil drench be used on a fruit tree?

Not as documented. Its product page names shade and ornamental trees such as maple, oak, palm, magnolia, and pine, not fruit trees, so a product labeled for fruit is the documented choice.

Does a topical spray affect bees?

It can, which is why spraying is avoided while the tree is in bloom.

What time of day suits a topical spray?

Early morning or evening, when there is less wind to carry the spray onto plants nearby.

Is there a topical option approved for organic gardening?

Yes. Garden Insect Spray with Spinosad is OMRI listed and labeled for fruits and vegetables as well as trees.