Fruit trees are resilient and require care to ensure that they are productive and healthy. Fortunately, a few simple steps can help you ensure your trees grow to their fullest potential and produce tasty fruits for years to come.
The first step in keeping a fruit tree healthy is to prune out diseased, dead, or damaged branches. These branches are susceptible to fungal and insect problems and should be removed from the tree. You can also use a 50 percent concentration copper spray to resolve most common fruit tree diseases. The spray should be applied according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
You should also ensure that the tree is properly planted, with adequate space for air circulation. The soil should be moderately rich and well drained. Make sure the trees are planted in full sun, and not too close to other trees. A good air drainage system will prevent low-lying cold air from entering the tree in the spring.
You should also fertilize your trees once or twice a year. An all-purpose organic fertilizer should be applied early spring and again in early autumn. The fertilizer should be mixed with a ratio of three to twelve parts nitrogen and one to two parts phosphorus. The blend should have a potassium level two to three times lower than the phosphorus.
You should also make sure to water your fruit trees thoroughly. While it is natural for fruit trees to dry out during hot summers, you should ensure that they receive adequate water. The best way to water your tree is to soak the soil around the roots with water. This will allow the roots to absorb nutrients and water. You should never leave water on the soil for more than an hour after heavy rainfall.
When you are planting your fruit tree, make sure to plant it in a location with plenty of sunlight. The trunk of your tree will be weak and produce poor fruits if planted in a shady area. The soil should be well drained and have a minimum of 18 inches of soil above the hardpan.
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