Dormancy Oil

(Question)

do you think its too late too spray cherry trees in toronto now or…?

(Answer)

Thank you for contacting the Toronto Master Gardeners with your question.  The window for applying Dormant oil is a small one; For best results you should spray in very early spring before buds break, also one should apply when the daytime temperatures are between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius – and when there is no chance of precipitation for at least 24 hours.  Really the answer to your question depends on where in Toronto your tree is situated, I noticed flowering fruit trees with several buds bursting open in a mid-town park today – but they were in a very sheltered sunny location.  I suggest examining your tree carefully looking for any opening of those buds, if not – go ahead and spray, however applying too late, when buds are starting to open may cause damage.

I hope this is helpful for you, good luck with your Cheery trees.