Maintaining Healthy Young Fruit Trees

Ah... The fruits of your labor!

Making sure that your fruit tree stays healthy is very important, but not as hard as you might think. There are, however, some vital things you need to do:

Plant your  young fruit tree correctly… Ask a local nursery for planting instructions, or do an internet search… just be sure the instructions are specific to your fruit tree. But, here are some “rule of thumb” instructions:

• All trees should be planted perfectly vertical so they develop a strong structure.
• Also, the roots should be spread out to ensure stabily and maximum water intake.
• Another part of making sure that your fruit tree stays healthy is planting it in fertile soil.
• You also have to be sure that the soil suits your tree variety (dry or damp soil, sandy or clay soil, etc)

Young fruit trees should be protected from strong winds, wildlife, and lawn equipment… Tie the trunk to a sturdy stake… avoid large roots and tie it loosely around the trunk and just below the main branches. A short fence-like structure around the trunk will also prevent animals from eating the bark and keep lawn mowers and weed whips at a safe distance. By the way, as the crop matures you will need to brace heavily loaded branches to prevent them from snapping under the heavy loads.

Another way to ensure a healthy young fruit tree is to watch out for pests… More specifically, eleminate places that attract them. Look for old piles of brush, weeds, old leaves, or any other decaying matter where pests could be hiding. Another way to keep pests away is by using bug sprays and repellents. However – and this important – because the crop is edible, it’s advisable to follow organic pest control means.

Both young and old fruit trees can benefit from not havesting the crops all at one time… As mentioned in xxx, remove about one third of the emerging fruit early in the season. At the end of the season, harvest a bit at a time. The object is to not remove the entire crop at once.

The important thing to remember in caring for your young (or old) fruit trees is to learn all you can about their requirements. The more specific the information is to your tree varieties, the healthier and more productive they will be.

Image courtesy of… © Tomo Jesenicnik | Dreamstime.com