Fruit trees are a must have in any garden. Whether you have a small city garden or a large rural space, a fruit tree is a great addition to any space.
1. When should I prune?
Most fruit trees should be pruned when dormant, in the winter, between November and early March. An exception for this are ‘stone fruit’ such as Apricots, Plums, Cherries and Peaches. Stone fruit trees should be pruned in summer, when the sap is rising, to avoid diseases such as ‘silver leaf’; a fungal disease. Silver leaf infects the wood through the wounds, causing a silvering of the leaves followed by the death of the branch.
Pruning in the winter is a good rule of thumb. Although fruit trees can be pruned throughout the year, depending on the type of growth you are trying to achieve.
2. How often should I prune my fruit tree?
Once you are happy with the height and spread of your tree. Pruning should be completed annually (every year) or biennially (every two years) in order to maintain a healthy crown spread and a good crop of fruit.
3. How should I prune my fruit tree?
Always use a sharp pair of secateurs to ensure pruning cuts are correct, as poor tools can cause branches and to tear, leading to wounds on the tree that may attract pests and disease. Always use the suitable tool for the correct size of cut. If you are struggling to use the tool on the branch, you should probably use a larger one, perhaps a pruning saw.
Shorten the previous years growth on each main branch by approximately a third, leaving a bud facing the required direction to preferred regrowth in the spring.
4. How often should I water my fruit tree?
It's important to make sure you are watering your fruit tree properly, especially in the first few years after planting. This is when your tree is establishing its root system. When the weather is dry, make sure to give your fruit tree a good soak once or twice a week. This is better than watering a little every day, as it helps roots to grow deeper into the soil, making the tree sturdy and strong. Whilst mature trees eventually become quite resilient, when they are flowering or the fruit is developing they'll need more water than usual.
5. When is the best time to plant a fruit tree?
The best time to plant fruit trees is from November to March, as long as the ground is not waterlogged or frozen. If you have purchased a tree without any soil around the roots, it can only be planted during November to March (dormant season). However, if you have bought a fruit tree that has come with soil around the roots, you can plant it any time of the year. Whichever you choose, prepare the planting hole well and stake young trees to protect them from wind damage.
6. How do I protect my fruit tree from pests and disease?
It's best to keep an eye on your tree throughout the year, as this will help you catch any problems early. Make sure to look out for discoloured leaves, leaves that have started to curl, unusual spots, sticky residue, or small insects on the underside of the leaves.
The most common pests to look out for are aphids, codling moths, and woolly aphids. If you do spot any of the above, make sure to remove the affected leaves or branches and dispose of them away from the tree. A good way to keep pests away is to have a bird feeder, as this will encourage birds into your garden to help keep pest numbers down.
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Try to:
- Prune the vigorous new shoots.
- Keep the shape of the tree balanced. Don’t allow unsupported lateral branches to get too big as they may snap out under weight.
- Keep the height of the tree low, unless they offer a privacy or a screen. Remember, you won’t be able to reach the apples at the top.
- Prune and remove any branches that rub onto each other and any that are growing toward the centre of the tree.
Frequently asked questions
Can I prune my fruit trees in summer?
Yes. Summer pruning is common with apples and pears. It’s quite typical with restricted growth forms such as cordon, fan and espalier. When pruning in the summer it is good practice to prune when the bottom third of the new shoots are stiff and woody.
Mid-July to the end of August is a good time to aim for, in order to reduce the possibility of secondary growth.
Do I need to feed my fruit trees any fertilizer?
Newly planted fruit trees should be mulched around the base of the tree for the first three or four years annually in late winter to early spring with a balanced fertilizer. High amounts of potassium is essential for healthy bud and fruit development with apple and pear trees. Stone fruit trees require additional nitrogen fertilizers for growth.
My fruit tree is really overgrown. Can we get it small again?
Renovating old fruit trees is a big task, and should be carried out by a skilled, qualified and experienced Arborist. Heavy crown reductions usually involve a large number of heavy branches being removed and not pruning correctly can lead to disease and decay. Ideally it should be done in stages, as pruning back too hard in one year will almost certainly encourage vigorous excessive un fruitful growth.
