How To Take Care of Your Fruit Trees
Fruit trees need to be pruned and taken care of in a special way from regular trees. If not, they are not only running the risk of causing damage to the tree but to the fruits as well.
Techniques include:
1. Supporting fruit branches:
Naturally fruit can weigh some, which means that it is capable of pulling down a branch, maybe to such an extent that the branch snaps altogether. Therefore, it is critical that branches which are filled with fruit are supported. A wood branch with some string to hold everything in place should suffice.
2. Watering:
The majority of plants require regular water, and fruit plants are no exception. Make sure that you understand how much water the type of fruit you're growing requires because they all differ. For instance apple trees only require a light amount of watering, while strawberry plants require regular and heavy watering to penetrate the soil.
3. Pruning:
To prune a fruit tree properly, remove the ripe fruit from the branches and then cut off all damaged branches as they can infect the tree with diseases. Pruning is often done in the winter. This type of pruning is invigorous, whereas spring pruning usually results in new vigorous, upright shoots, called water sprouts. These sprouts shade the tree and can inhibit proper development. The stronger and healthier the tree, the better that fruit it bears.
4. Protecting the tree:
Like any food bearing plant, fruit trees need to be protected from animals and insects. Often nets are thrown over them so that birds don't peck at them. Of course insects must still be watched out for.
Fruit trees are a great addition to any garden. Not only do they look beautiful, but what could be better than picking fresh fruit as soon as it ripens on a tree in your own garden? They do require labour though, so if you're not up for it, it might be worth hiring professional tree surgeons who know how to properly prune, water, support and take care of your trees to ensure that they are free of disease and your fruits are as delicious as you'd like them to be. If you're not sure what you can do and what you should leave to the pros, bear this in mind- if it involves a chainsaw, or a tall ladder, you're probably best off to call a pro.
Techniques include:
1. Supporting fruit branches:
Naturally fruit can weigh some, which means that it is capable of pulling down a branch, maybe to such an extent that the branch snaps altogether. Therefore, it is critical that branches which are filled with fruit are supported. A wood branch with some string to hold everything in place should suffice.
2. Watering:
The majority of plants require regular water, and fruit plants are no exception. Make sure that you understand how much water the type of fruit you're growing requires because they all differ. For instance apple trees only require a light amount of watering, while strawberry plants require regular and heavy watering to penetrate the soil.
3. Pruning:
To prune a fruit tree properly, remove the ripe fruit from the branches and then cut off all damaged branches as they can infect the tree with diseases. Pruning is often done in the winter. This type of pruning is invigorous, whereas spring pruning usually results in new vigorous, upright shoots, called water sprouts. These sprouts shade the tree and can inhibit proper development. The stronger and healthier the tree, the better that fruit it bears.
4. Protecting the tree:
Like any food bearing plant, fruit trees need to be protected from animals and insects. Often nets are thrown over them so that birds don't peck at them. Of course insects must still be watched out for.
Fruit trees are a great addition to any garden. Not only do they look beautiful, but what could be better than picking fresh fruit as soon as it ripens on a tree in your own garden? They do require labour though, so if you're not up for it, it might be worth hiring professional tree surgeons who know how to properly prune, water, support and take care of your trees to ensure that they are free of disease and your fruits are as delicious as you'd like them to be. If you're not sure what you can do and what you should leave to the pros, bear this in mind- if it involves a chainsaw, or a tall ladder, you're probably best off to call a pro.
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