Tanglefoot & Fruit Trees

It’s time for a seasonal skinny dip into the perennially popular topic of tanglefoot and fruit trees. Yes, it works. Yes, your fruit trees need tanglefoot. Yes, it’s an effective holistic orcharding practice to minimize pest damage without toxic sprays. Yes, yes, yes!

Why did I write “tanglefoot” with a lower case T? In the past, I’ve always capitalized the brand, but I am consciously and intentionally switching to the generic reference since many orchardists use the term in reference to a variety of different tanglefoot products. This is especially notable now since there recently appears to have been an interruption in availability of the branded Tanglefoot product. I’ll follow up this post with more information about that if/when I can determine exactly what’s going on. In the meantime, rest assured that there are various other producers of generic tang products thatwork similarly. 

I refer you to a previous post I published specifically addressing the how and why of tanglefoot in the responsible care of fruit trees.

[I offer you] a detailed look at how to use Tanglefoot for non-toxic pest control in a holistic fruit tree orchard… We are purists when it comes to holistic orcharding and gardening (despite challenges unique to growing fruits and vegetables in the North Country) and we have come to rely on Tanglefoot summer after summer. (Source: How to Use Tanglefoot (And Why Fruit Trees Need It))

In simple terms, the process involves wrapping the trunk with thin cardboard (or durable paper), securing it with twine, and smearing tanglefoot around the circumference of the cardboard/paper.  this old-school but highly affective solution traps pests that climb up the tree trunk. 

My post, “How to Apply Tanglefoot to Trees” includes a simple, straightforward how-to video to ensure that your holistic orchard is well protected.

And another post, “Tanglefoot Tango”, offered a less instructional, more more lyrical look at the perfect pairing of tanglefoot and fruit trees.

Coaxing concoction —
gummy, oily wax,
sticky with sunlight —
from tub to tree trunk 
dabbing, buttering
bug barrier on
crepe cuff, twine, and knot,
the man embraces
the tree he protects.

(Source: “Tanglefoot Tango”)

Hope it works out for you. Hesitate to reach out with questions, and/or pass along any tips that you think might be helpful.