The thought of picking fresh fruit in your own backyard can be tempting. Trees do not bear fruit overnight, though. It can take months for a mature tree to blossom and bear fruit — it takes even longer when planting a seed or sapling. Caring for fruit trees takes year-round effort. Home gardeners must be vigilant against tree pests and diseases. We can also take extra care when pruning to enable the trunk and branches to support fruit.
Pests are in a dormant state during winter. Although this implies trees are safe from pest infestation, fruit trees still require care and maintenance during cold months. Here are some tips to care for and protect fruit trees while “the weather outside is frightful.”
1. Weed and Feed – Weeds can absorb soil nutrients meant for trees. They can also provide homes to insects and pests that outlast the initial frost. Remove weeds and dispose of them in yard waste bags. Till the ground to expose any remaining grubs and eggs (and feed hungry birds). Apply general-purpose organic fertilizer to the soil before laying fresh mulch.
2. Clean up – Trees work hard during the summer to grow fruit. Now that they are in a dormant state, winter is an ideal time for gardeners to do some maintenance work. Fallen leaves and fruit may still carry active spores from pests or disease. Protect trees by throwing away spoiled fruit and dead leaves. Do not use this refuse for mulching to prevent reinfection and reinfestation.
3. Winter Wash – Winter washing is a great solution to completely eliminate hidden spores harbouring in bark and bark fissures. This treatment is useful for deciduous trees and ornamental plants.
4. Prune – Despite the cold weather, winter is an ideal time to prune. After autumn leaves are shed, the structure of the tree becomes more visible, allowing you to detect damaged parts that need removal. With proper pruning techniques, you can achieve an optimal tree shape for visual appeal and fruit bearing.
5. Water – Although trees are inactive in frigid temperatures, they require water for metabolic functions. Roots can dry up in the winter, leading to serious and permanent tree damage.
Take care of your fruit trees and they will reward you. Call Great Northern ReGreenery at (905) 775-7444 to learn how we can keep your fruit trees healthy in the winter and throughout the year.