When to apply chemicals to apple trees?

[tunrevir]

I have 5 apple trees and the last two years the apples started out great but ended up getting mauled by pests. When do you spray them? Is this a one application deal? What spray do you use? Thanks!

Tunrevir~

[fivebucks]

Go to the U of M extension service. I have found great info there. The most common pest is the apple maggot. They live in the ground below the tree and turn into little flies late June I believe. You need to spray about every 15 days I think until harvest. I bought the basic box store powder and have a hand pump sprayer just for my tree. There also is something early when the trees flower but you'd have to look at the extension for details.

[tunrevir]

Thanks for the info, I didn't realize it would be that intensive. I'd like to spray the flowers as they will be coming out in the next week or so. I'll look things up!

Tunrevir~

[MinnesotaMike]

Don't spray the flowers, they are the ones that make the apples. Start your spraying regiment when the apples are about the size of a marble.

Every 15 days.

Mike