Dormant oil

Dormant oil is a type of mineral oil that helps to protect your landscaping from aphids, scale insects, mites and other parasitic species that put your plant’s health at risk. Dormant oil is non-toxic to people and pets. Dormant oil is applied by spraying it onto a trees branches and trunk. It is not harmful to the tree in any way. The insects die by drowning in the oil.

What it’s used for

In Victoria, BC many trees and shrubs have their leaves eaten by insects in springtime. These insects are called “over wintering insects” because they sit on the plant all winter waiting for spring to eat the leaves. Dormant oil is very effective at killing over wintering insects. Dormant oil is very commonly used on fruit trees and in orchards.

How it’s applied

Dormant oil must be applied during winter in order to be effective. This is where dormant oil gets its name. It is applied from a pressurized back pack sprayer.

How it works

Dormant oil kills insects through suffocation. It blocks off the spiracles through which the insects breathe, and they die as a result. The dormant oil that Ascent Yard Care applies is a type of mineral oil, though certain plant based dormant oils are available for use such as cottonseed and soybean oil.

What Can Dormant Oil Be Applied To?

• Fruit trees
• Broadleaf evergreens
• Needled evergreens
• Flowering trees and shrubs
• Deciduous trees and shrubs

Dormant oil should be applied every winter

Dormant oil is most effective if it is applied every winter. Over wintering insects can come back to the tree every year, so in order to fully protect the tree, dormant oil must be applied every winter.

Expert Help

There is a lot to consider when it comes to the application of dormant oil. You don’t want to risk applying dormant oils at the wrong time, or to the wrong types of plants. That’s why this is a job best left to the professionals. Ascent Yard Care offers dormant oil application and many other plant healthcare services.