Winter Care

[Bretts]

In the past I have dabbled with a spray of Lime Sulfur in the Winter months. I always thought that those nasty diseases where for other countries so I was not that concerned. But after a nasty dose of fungus last year I won't be taking chances and plan on giving my trees the full Winter precaution treatments.
At thew moment the list is scrubbing trees such as Craig suggested

I was wondering if anyone else spends any time cleaning their trees. When I get the chance I scrub my trees down (trunk and branches) with a soft brush like a used toothbrush and warm soapy water. This procedure brings out the colour in the bark and is also useful for dealing with some pests. The other advantage of doing this is with deciduous trees it is said to make it easier for the tree to back bud.
Craig

Then a spray of Lime sulfur at 20-1 for deciduous and 30-1 for the conifers. Such as suggested by this article.
http://www.gsbf-bonsai.org/kusamura/dec ... lphur.html

What about other evergreens such as Privet and firethorn ?
Also it states that one treatment is sufficient in the middle of Winter but also seems to state it is best to spray when half the leaves have dropped. When do others spray?

Also I have heard about dormant Oils. What are they and does any one use them?