Common Tree Pests and Diseases

• Some of the common pests that may feed on your trees include borers, scales, aphids, moths and weevils. Diseases such as athracnose, blight, powdery mildew, scab, leafspot and different types of rot can try to attack them as well.
  
  

Spraying Basics

• Protect your face and skin when spraying. Even organic sprays can be irritating. Test a small area of the tree before giving it a full treatment to ensure it won't have a negative effect; wait 24 hours to see how it reacts. Only spray the area that needs to be treated, and be mindful not to harm beneficial bugs. When spraying, wait until early morning or when it is cool in the evening. If it's too warm outside when you spray, it can cause damage to your tree.
  
  

Homemade Recipes

• There are numerous mixtures you can make at home that can combat pests and diseases. These home remedies are all organic and will also save you money. The types of organic sprays you can make include those made with ingredients such as apple cider vinegar, baking soda, chives, garlic, horseradish, milk, chamomile, seaweed and compost tea.
  
  

Eco-Friendly Companies

• As the demand for environmentally sound gardening methods increases, so does the number of products available for purchase. Many home improvement stores and nurseries sell organic sprays and there are also many websites that offer them.
  
  

Prevention and Other Methods for Control

• The University of California Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program recommends that you prevent the need for tree spraying by purchasing disease and pest resistant varieties or varieties that are well-adapted, like trees that are native to your region. The IPM also suggests using beneficial insects like ladybugs to help combat critters such as aphids or spraying bugs off with a solid stream of water. In addition, pruning away infected areas may eliminate the need to spray.