How to Save Fruit Trees
- 1). Test the soil. Take a sample of the soil to your local county extension service or to a nursery or landscape contractor to test for nutrient content. Amend as recommended. Trees that evidence yellowing in the leaves may be suffering from a shortage of iron in the soil (iron chlorosis).
- 2). Prune broken or diseased branches. (Pruning is simply the removal of any portion of a tree to eliminate broken or damaged limbs and to maintain or correct tree structure.) Always use sharp pruning shears. Cut at an angle so that moisture does not collect on a cut branch and cause disease. As you trim your trees, dip your pruning shears in rubbing alcohol to prevent spreading rot or disease to other parts of the tree.
- 3). Stake and support the tree. Branches heavy with ripening fruit can break from the weight of the harvest. Surround young trees with wire cages or fencing to prevent deer from nibbling on tender new growth.
- 4). Inspect the tree for signs of disease or insect infestation. Seek the advice of a tree maintenance professional to identify the disease or type of insects attacking your trees. Treat as recommended, following label instructions carefully for the application of any pesticides.
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