Oil based paints injure tree bark, and some exterior grade latex paints may also do some damage to bark. After pruning, treat the bark and cut surfaces thoroughly in areas where vigorous shoot growth would be expected. Do not treat large portions of the tree or fruiting wood, as fruit size reduction may occur. To avoid possible fruit thinning, delay application of Tre-Hold to growing suckers until 4 weeks after petal fall. Prepare the mixture as for water sprout control, or you may wish to reduce or eliminate the latex paint and substitute an equal amount of water.
Control is most effective when shoots are growing actively.
If suckers are pruned back during the dormant season, or a little later, new growth may be easier to treat without accidental application to tree foliage. Interference from weeds will reduce effectiveness of the treatment. Use of a contact herbicide a couple of weeks prior to NAA treatment may be helpful. Repeat annual application of Tre-Hold NAA may be needed for continued sucker control. Take all necessary precautions to avoid spray drift onto desirable foliage.