Dormant oil

A lot of the problems we are seeing with Crepe Myrtles right now could have been greatly lessened by applying dormant oil in the winter or fall.                                                                                                               Well here we are December 30, 2012. One task that gets skipped by most people is applying dormant oil. It is inexpensive and does so much good for your plants. The oil is applied to the trunks and stems of trees and shrubs, coating overwintering insects. I have seen it used to do the same with certain fungus, but I'm not certain of the results although it came from someone I respect a great deal. Steve Robinson of Bruce Miller Nursery in Richardson Texas.
      This next week I will begin applying dormant oil at about one once per gallon. Coating trunks and limbs of plants the harbor aphids, mites and scale. The most important things is to use it on Crepe Myrtles and fruit trees. Happy New Year.
    Something to remember, never apply when it may freeze within 24 hours.