Dormant spray and pruning question.

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

I'd like to spray some dormant oil with copper this weekend. The weather here in Mid TN looks to be just right--dry and above freezing before moisture comes in early next week. But I want to get rid of some left over leaves and the dead flower heads I left on at the end of fall. It's probably too early to do a major spring pruning as I'm sure we still have some significant winter weather ahead, (and the forsythia aren't yet blooming!) but do you think it's ok to snip off some of the minor, thin branches that still have leaves and dead flowers/hips that are at the top/outside of the plant without encouraging early growth? Weather forecast is for a week or so of highs in the 50s and 60s. How badly can I mess up here? Any advice for someone who is a first timer at this?

Featured Answer

Sheila z8a Rogue Valley OR

7 years ago

I don't think the trimming would hurt at all, subk3. Good luck.

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Comments (9)

Lilyfinch z9a Murrieta Ca
7 years ago
Well I will be out there too .. I have always broken the rules and did what work I could when it got warm. You know how it goes once spring gets here! All that work sneaks up on you.

I’m so excited for the warm weather!
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lkayetwvz5
7 years ago
I'm worried about all these 50F days so early in the season. I winter mulched this year because I had a lot of newly planted roses. A few warm days might not hurt but a week? Last year we had the warmest wettest February in history and then winter came back for almost two months and I lost most of my roses.
erasmus_gw
7 years ago
I am going to spray dormant oil today. We're supposed to have temps in the 60's and even up to 70 the next week. I worry about it too but will enjoy the weather. Some of my plants are about to leaf out now. I worry about pruning too early but I plan to take some Feb. cuttings because for some reason Feb seems to be a good time for some ogrs.
Karen R. (9B SF Bay Area)
7 years ago
I wanted to do my first ever dormant oil spraying this weekend, but it is and will be pouring all weekend (a good thing). Hopefully next weekend!
subk3
Original Author
7 years ago
Got it done! In addition to snip of the remaining buds and leaves, I cleaned out the garden and got the top layer of mulch and dead leaves up from around the drip line before I sprayed. I bit a weeding the random stuff that's come up since October. Now I've realized that I'm way ahead for spring chores. Next weekend, weather permitting, some horse manure, preen and mulch. Then a spring pruning whenever the weather settles and I'm done. Other than a few projects, of course!

Lily, did you get it done too?
Sheila z8a Rogue Valley OR
7 years ago
Good for you, subk3. Doesn't that feel good? I did my organic fertilizer, manure, and coffee grounds. I've still got to cut perennials back, but it feels good to be making progress.
Lilyfinch z9a Murrieta Ca
7 years ago
Ill be doing it tomorrow!! I can’t wait to get out there . Wahoooo !
dianela7analabama
7 years ago
Go for it =),

I went ahead and have fun. I did some major pruning on a couple of my beds today since my temp went up to 66F. I know it is early yet, but I also try to get some work when I have the chance.

Good luck Lilyfinch tomorrow =). I bet you are going to have blast in the garden.