Are you a keen gardener? If so, you’ll probably want to give your plants the best possible start, but where do you start? In this post, Rockoff Tree Solutions, your go-to arborist in Harper, TX, gives you a head start by answering, “What is foliar spray?”

Considering how many types there are, it’s good to know what they do. Let’s dive right in. 

What Is Foliar Spray?

First, let’s go over a caveat: There’s no substitute for good soil. Your tree needs to be able to draw most of the nutrients it needs from the ground. Foliar feeding can be a great way to offset nutrient deficiencies. 

The difference is that you use leaf surface spraying as opposed to a liquid fertilizer application to the soil. 

How do we describe the effects? Think of it like the difference between taking an aspirin under your tongue or swallowing it. If you swallow it, you have to wait for it to work its way through your digestive tract. If you take it under your tongue, you feel the effects faster. The same applies to nutrient absorption through leaves. 

This makes plant foliage treatment a great option when your tree’s in trouble and needs fast nutrient uptake. How do you know you need to use one? Signs that your tree needs help include: 

  • Yellowing leaves
  • Withering
  • Poor growth
  • Signs of disease

Types of Foliar Spraying Mixtures

So, now you can answer, “What is foliar spray?” It’s time to look at what type of product to use. Most formulations are water-soluble powders or liquid fertilizers. If you use the latter, make sure you can apply it to foliage. Some formulas are too strong and can burn the leaves. 

A foliar spray is usually not as concentrated as fertilizers you use for the roots, so you shouldn’t mix the two up. 

You can also whip up your own concoction using: 

  • Kelp
  • Compost
  • Weeds
  • Herbal teas
  • Fish emulsion

Comfrey tea is particularly nutritious and is loaded with nitrogen and potash. All you need to do is pack your blender until almost full with fresh comfrey and then add water, leaving about two inches of space. 

Blend well and let it steep for a few hours. You can then mix one part of the tea with ten parts of water to make a foliar spray. If you won’t use all of it in one go, strain out the comfrey leaves and store the tea in the fridge. 

You can add a little horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to help the mixture cling to the leaves better. 

How To Use a Foliar Spray

You should always spray your plants early in the morning while it’s still cool. If you leave it for too late in the day, the water will evaporate too quickly, leaving a more concentrated mix on the leaves. You should spray the leaves until the mixture drips off. 

As to what time of the year you use the mixture, that depends on your goals. But spring or summer is the best time because this is during your plant’s active growing season. 

If you have an evergreen tree, you can use the spray during the winter if it’s really necessary. Just change it up when you use it. Make sure you avoid spraying in the early morning when it’s too cold. 

Contact Us for Expert Advice

Answering, “What is foliar spray?” is only one part of the equation. The next step involves finding out which type will work best for your trees. Call Rockoff Tree Solutions at 830-955-0304 to schedule a professional consultation. You can also call us for other issues, like identifying common tree diseases.