Spring Fruit Tree Care: Expert Tips from Taylor's Way
A practical how-to guide on fruit tree management and spring care, brought to you by our tree service experts in Mendota & Peru, IL.
By Taylor's Way | Dec 10, 2018 | Blog
Why Spring Tree Care Matters for Fruit Trees
Not so long ago, we covered the topics of small orchard installations on your property and early spring tree care and diagnostics. Our readers were very much interested in tips, tricks and advice from our tree service Mendota, IL experts on how to manage their fruit trees and what they should know in order to have bountiful and healthy fruit trees all year long. Our tree service Peru, IL colleagues helped put together this short how-to guide on fruit tree management and spring care.
4 Essential Spring Fruit Tree Care Steps
1. Inspect the Trees
Look for post-winter damages, snow mold formations, fungal infections or damage at the bark, branches and roots levels. Inspect the foliage — compare healthy green leaves against burnt, curled or dry ones. Check for pest attacks and environmental factors affecting the surrounding lawn and vegetation.
2. Add Mulch
Fruit trees do well when the area surrounding them is properly mulched rather than left in the lawn. Add a clean, healthy layer of mulch around the trees — making sure it doesn't touch the bark. Mulch preserves soil moisture, nourishes the trees, keeps pests and disease at bay, and boosts productivity during the fruiting season.
3. Prune the Trees
Pruning is a major fruit tree care activity and should be done in early spring while trees are still dormant. It builds a stronger framework and improves airflow. Choose between a central leader training method (for apple trees) or an open center system (for stone fruit trees like peach). New plantings also benefit from pruning and training.
4. Fertilize Properly
Tree fertilization is tricky — over-fertilization encourages vegetation growth at the expense of fruit crops. Ask a local tree service expert to tailor a proper fertilization plan. The same applies to pest and disease control: improper substances can affect tree health and crop quality. Always work with competent, professional providers.
Starting Your Orchard Journey?
If you are at the beginning of your gardening career, a reliable tree service Mendota, IL company can help you pick the right trees for your property and your needs, while constantly helping you care for any established or newly planted orchard.
