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Stone Fruit Pest Management: Neem Oil for Plum/Peach and Poison Ivy Control

Fruit Tree Issue

Annette's plum and peach (Zone 7b, Raleigh NC): heavy fruit set but spots, holes, premature drop at ripening. Asks for spring fungicide/insecticide recommendations.

Nursery Protocol: Pure Neem Oil Only

100% Pure Neem Oil (Dyna-Gro) — only spray used
Fungicide + miticide, non-washing, organic
10+ years exclusive use at nursery
Alters leaf taste → pests leave (doesn't kill)
Builds residual protection
Safe for edibles

Poison Ivy Control (Follow-up)

Annette highly allergic, wants early control.

Non-Chemical Methods

Mow close in midsummer → plow/harrow OR graze sheep/goats
Small patches: grub out roots
Repeated mowing to 1-2 inches → eventual die-out
Hard-to-reach: smother with plastic/cardboard/deep mulch
Protective clothing essential

Chemical Avoidance

Kathy suggests non-chemical first — aligns with organic philosophy. Herbicides not recommended in this exchange.

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