Autumn and winter are key times for the preparations for growing fruit such as apples, pears, and nectarines plus other fruits the following summer. A winter wash is something I always make a point of doing during the colder months. Here, I’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to winter wash trees, as well as some tips for managing different types of trees. How do I winter wash my trees?

So there's plenty to be getting on with as winter bites. No excuses for sitting idle! As if you needed encouragement – an afternoon spent working on your fruit trees is satisfying to the core. The promise of next year's fruits should soften the chill and warm the spirit. This natural, plant oil-based treatment is highly effective at dramatically reducing pest numbers. It is safe around pets and children, and by applying it at this time of year it will have minimal impact on other wildlife. Spray it directly onto the bark on a still, windless day, covering all of the branchwork to leave no escape. Don't forget to wear a mask and gloves to protect yourself from drifting spray.

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Once the leaves have fallen from the tree and on a frost-free day apply a winter wash. Apply with a small sprayer as a jet so the winter wash runs down the stems killing all the over-wintering pest eggs and fungal spores. To winter wash fruit trees, you should first remove any dead or diseased branches, then use a solution of water and horticultural oil such as Vitax winter wash or Jeyes fluid to spray the entire tree, including the trunk and branches. The solution should be applied when temperatures are above freezing and the tree is dormant. This will help to control pests and diseases that may be overwintering on the tree. It is also recommended to prune the tree properly and make sure the soil is well drained and mulched to protect the tree from cold temperatures. Practice good garden hygiene and dispose of diseased material. Don’t add foliage or branches with fungal diseases to your compost heap.

Some pests will overwinter in leaf litter or in the soil around your fruit trees so they can be near to their food source when spring comes around. Good garden hygiene is the answer. Rake up all fallen leaves and compost them away from your trees to foil pests such as apple blossom weevil, which can destroy flowers and ruin your fruit crop. We independently research, review, and recommend the best products. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

4. Prevent Ring-barking by Rabbits and Other Rodents

Choose fine wire mesh if your trees are plagued by smaller rodents such as voles, and make sure there is a wide enough gap between the trunk and the mesh so that hungry muzzles can’t push through and reach the bark. Flex the mesh into a tube and secure it using cable ties or wire. Use a cane to keep the tree guard upright, and make sure the wire is pushed firmly into the soil with no gaps at ground level. You may be able to remove guards in summer if the rodent problem is limited to the winter months. 5. Encourage Pest Predators Normally an apple tree will have two types of growth. The first being the fruiting buds stems with short stubby nodes or buds about 5mm to 10mm long with rings around the base, these are the fruiting buds and these stems need leaving unless you are reshaping the apple tree because these buds are next crop of flowers and fruit. A systemic containing the active ingredient Flupyradifurone (Provanto Smart Bug Killer)is available for use on ornamentals and selected edibles Keep trees well watered but do not overwater. Mulch well around fruit trees with organic matter to protect soil and retain moisture and nutrients. But keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent rotting.

The larvae of lacewings, ladybirds and hoverflies are voracious pest-munchers. Weather permitting, the period between autumn and spring is a good time to establish more nectar-rich perennial flowers to attract these and other pest predators. Try bugle ( Ajuga reptans), asters, daisies or lavender for starters. Make your garden a haven for wildlife, and ladybirds and other predators will help to control pests Mealy plum aphid: Summer host =grasses and reeds. Leaves fruitinJune-July. Can remain on plum throughout summerIn September and October apply a grease band on the main stem to stop winter months from crawling up the stem into the tree. Here is a link to some more information

Made from a blend of natural plant and fish oils, this winter tree wash is formulated to remove debris and dirt from trees to help protect against overwintering pests. Further information on the biology of fruit aphids is available from Influential points at the links below

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In glasshouses it is possible to use glasshouse fumigants. Glasshouse should be sealed and instructions on the product label must be followed. Products based on the synthetic pyrethroid permethrin are available as DeadFast Greenhouse Smoke Generator, DeadFast Greenhouse Smoke Fumigator. Prune the tree: Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches from the tree. This will help to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering on the tree. Plant invigorators combine nutrients to stimulate plant growth with surfactants or fatty acids that have a physical mode of action against aphids (e.g. Ecofective Bug Control, Growing Success Bug Stop, Rose Clear 3 in 1 Action SB Plant Invigorator and Westland Resolva Natural Power Bug & Mildew). These products contain some synthetic ingredients and so are not considered organic Perfect for green gardeners, the product works by purely physical means and is completely non-toxic. It can be safely used on edible and ornamental crops, both outdoors and under glass. The tree should be washed by starting from the top and working your way down. Gently scrub the bark and branches with the brush or cloth, paying attention to areas where dirt has built up. If you spot any pests, make sure you’re applying a trusted winter wash formula.