by Vicki & Chuck Rogers

Caring for Fruit Trees

As their name implies, fruit trees are simply trees that bear fruit. This may include apple, cherry, citrus (i.e., orange and lemon), durian, mango, morello cherry, pear, peach, nectarine and plum. In addition some nut bearing trees, such as walnuts, are also considered to be fruit trees. Virtually all trees of flowering plants will produce fruit which, in this case, is used to define trees that produce fruit that can be used as human food.

In order for fruit trees to remain healthy and continue producing quality fruits, they must be pruned for growth control purposes and also to remove dead or diseased wood. In addition, pruning fruit trees may also stimulate the growth of flowers and/or fruit buds. The best time for pruning, economic wise, is early in the season as the buds begin to break. At this point, the grower can simply pinch off the soft tissue with his/her finger. The problem that many growers face is neglecting to properly care for their fruit trees after planting. Careful attention to pruning will have the greatest impact on fruit trees and their productivity.

Did you know that formative pruning of apple and pear trees should occur during the dormant winter months ranging between November and March and should be done during the tree’s early years of life? This will help fruit trees to develop a strong frame that is capable of holding the weight of fruit as it begins to grow in later years. Other fruit trees, such as cherry, plum and gages should not be pruned during the winter.

From the age of five, fruit trees need to be pruned annually. The process of renewal pruning depends greatly on the tendency of most apple and pear trees to produce flower buds. Fruit trees that have strong laterals on the outer part of the tree, which also has room for growth, are best suited for this technique.

The regulatory pruning of fruit trees is performed on the tree as a whole and is done in an effort to keep both the tree and its environment healthy. Regulatory pruning entails keeping the center open so that air can circulate, removing dead or diseased wood and preventing branches from becoming crowded while also preventing the crossing of branches.

Fruit trees are popular among farmers who believe in growing their own food, but also for those who wish to resell fruits for profit. Whether fruit trees are your source of health food or extra cash, taking the time to care for them in such a way that will promote both their productivity and livelihood will be well worth the effort. For those who are truly creative and want to get the most use of their fruit trees, there is nothing better than creating a custom fruit basket to be given as gifts for holidays, birthdays and as your contribution to family gatherings.

Whatever the purpose for your fruit trees, nourish them with everything that they need in order to thrive and, when the time comes, they will produce a product capable of doing the same for you.

by christopherhuffman

Container Growing Some Apple Trees

Container growing your apple trees not only reduces garden pests and diseases of the apple but will improve your crop of apples. Dwarf apples can be container grown in large garden pots to place on a deck or patio. It is possible to grow apples in this fashion provided you follow a few simple guidelines.  

Apple trees or any edible crop can be grown in a container with great success. An apple container can be a large garden tub or a half-barrel that has a diameter of about 5 feet. It is bettert to choose a dwarf variety of apple so it will not outgrow the container. The apple varieties that grow in garden containers have the same growing pattern as those that are planted in a garden. In order for apple trees to become established and bear fruit they will need about three years.

Container growing dwarf apple trees has a few advantages: 1). after planting the tree and some pruning during the first few years, very little pruning will be needed. 2). Dwarf apple trees are easier for the gardener to inspect for diseases or pests, so they can be treated as soon as possible. 3). you do not need to own a ladder in order to harvest the apples.

Most varieties of apple trees need other apple trees for pollination which leads to a crop of fruit. It is always best to check with a fruit tree expert, your local nursery, or garden center in regards to cross-pollination of the varieties of apple tree. Some apple trees are triploid varieties which mean they must have two other apple varieties that are compatible planted in close proximity in order to pollinate. Many apple varieties or Malus domestica will need only one other variety for pollination. Once you have chosen the apple variety you want it is important to inquire about which other varieties are good for pollination. If you do not have the proper variety for pollination you will be unable to produce apples. If your backyard is unable to support two or three trees you can plant a variety that is a self-pollinater such as Golden Delicious, Jonathan, or Yellow Transplant. These varieties will also produce a larger crop if you can cross-pollinate them.

If you prune dwarf apple trees early it helps the development of the tree; it will end up with a strong formation and be able to handle the weight of the apples. Early pruning also brings about openness in the tree so sunlight will reach as many leaves as possible. When you purchased your apple tree it probably looked like a stick with twigs poking out here and there. As the tree grows it puts out new branches and then you choose the best ones that are growing in a straight line from the trunk. During the dormant season you need to cut back all drooping branches and cut off any downward growing branches. If this is not done these particular branches will get too much shade which causes them to color uneven and be very small.

As with almost any fruit tree, an apple needs nitrogen for survival. Fertilizing should also be done but not too much. The shoots on apple trees should grow between 8 and 12 inches each year; if it has grown less than 6 inches more nitrogen needs to be added in the spring. If you give your tree too much fertilizer it could grow to about 14 inches a year; when this happens the fruit will be too large and its texture will be mealy. The fertilizer that can be used is a time-release general purpose; this will ensure it receives enough nutrients to produce a healthy crop.

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