[pomologydude]

The biod trees paste that I use (as described above) is to encourage beneficial microbial activity both for the health of the tree in its own right but also through competitive colonization to discourage pathogens. The Bd500 has microbes in it that can grow and expand on the tree with the assistance of the neem. But yes there is a fine line between too much and just enough, but I don’t think there is ever too little. As far as borers, I have used pure neem (like putting butter on bread) as a preventative, but also as a curative after damage has occurred. It works really well in both situations. However, one caveat, is that too much or too many years in a row and it appears that there can be some minor (or major) trunk damage. Not sure why this is the case, but it is an observation. So, I encourage others to space out applications (but don’t space out on the applications – lol) to every other year. I think the paste suffocates the lenticels in the area of the application causing mortality.

[pomologydude]

Hi Jon,
I have tried various oil products in my tree paste and yes neem oil can work when mixed properly with the other ingredients and diluted with 508. I can’t remember the exact proportions, but typically I will put 10% by volume of “anything else” in the mixture. So if the base mix is manure (or 500), sand, and clay 30/30/30, then the last 10% can be neem paste. It can be less of course. That said, I am not aware of anyone that has compared various concentrations for efficacy. But for general tree health, 10% is a good starting point.
mike

[pomologydude]

Well, first you can use horse manure, but typically we don’t use horse shit, we use cow manure. Then we stuff it in a cow horn in the fall, bury it underground over the winter, and dig it up in June or so to find a beautifully composted – or transformed – ‘preparation’ we use to enliven the farm. Got it?