Harnett County Center

CAUTION:The information and recommendations in this article are applicable to Harnett County, NC and may not apply in other areas.

CARING FOR FRUIT TREES, 1/30/98

Tree fruit are probably the most difficult crops to grow in the home garden, but perhaps the most satisfying. A consistent, high quality crop requires a lot of work. Proper pruning and training, correct fertilization, and insect and disease control are critical.

However, even the best care will be worthless if you don't get your tree off to a good start. This means choosing adapted varieties, selecting the proper location, and preparing the soil (including a soil test).

PRUNING AND TRAINING

Fruit trees require air and light penetration into the interior of the tree canopy. Light is required to produce fruit, and air movement helps reduce pest problems.

Timing is important. Dormant pruning should be done in late winter, shortly before bud break (late February). Light summer pruning can also be done.

Dead, diseased, and damaged branches (the "3 D's") should always be removed. They are an invitation to pest problems, and can be removed at any time of the year. Crossed branches should also be removed, as they will rub against each other and damage the bark.

Training is better than pruning. To borrow a metaphor, it is easier to train children early, than to try and apply corrective discipline late. Training involves encouraging young branches to grow in the right direction.

Be sure to use clean, sharp tools. Hand pruners are perfect for small branches. The bypass style allows you to make a closer cut (never leave a stub). Long handled loppers will take out larger branches, and a curved bladed pruning saw works for large limbs. Mix a 10% bleach solution in a spray bottle to clean your tools every few cuts and between trees.

FERTILIZATION

Fertilizer is generally applied in late winter, and can be broadcast on the soil around the tree. Too much fertilizer can be just as bad as too little. A soil test on a yearly or biannual basis is highly advisable (and it's free!).

INSECT AND DISEASE CONTROL

Controlling insects and diseases is critical to success. The practices mentioned above will help tremendously by keeping the tree in good health. But they should be supplemented by a regular spray program.

Insects are controlled with insecticides, while diseases are controlled with fungicides and bactericides. Many of the "fruit tree sprays" will contain a mixture of these. For your own safety, read and follow all instructions which come with any pesticide.

It is also possible to buy the separate products and mix them yourself. This may be more economical if you have several trees. I'll be happy to send you a recipe.

Frequent applications are the key, about once a week for apples, every 2 to 3 weeks for peaches. Be sure to observe the harvest interval, which is the length of time between the last spray and harvest. Take care not to kill bees, which are needed for pollination. An application of oil during the dormant season is also advisable for controlling certain disease and insect pests, such as scale.

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