Are Fruit Trees Hard To Care For?

Having fruit trees is one of the most common gardening pastimes. It lets you select your favorite kind of fruit from the diverse assortment available and gives you complete control over how your fruit is cultivated. The question, if you’re interested in growing a fruit tree is, are fruit trees hard to care for?

While specific guidelines differ depending on the particular kind of fruit tree you have, several general tips or strategies can aid you in productively caring for any fruit tree you've planted.

Fruit trees need the sun to flourish. Also, most have well-drained soil. Apples, plums, and pears are more accepting of less-than-perfect conditions. If poor drainage is a serious issue, plant your fruit trees in a raised bed. Plant bare-root trees soon after buying it. If you need help, ask a tree specialist.

Though fruit trees often thrive with little care, watching out for their needs will give you a flavorful and colossal crop.

Fertilizer
Commercial growers fertilize continually, and several home growers discover that their fruit tree needs little feeding. You should create a fertilizing schedule based on your tree’s growth. If it’s growing good, its nutrient needs are being satisfied. If its performance is terrible, use fertilizer in the spring. Continuous poor growth after using fertilizer could mean your soil is deficient in nutrients. Get a tree care professional to test the soil and follow any suggestions.

Diseases and Pests
Many diseases and pests can harm fruit trees. Using a dormant oil spray in the wintertime stops many pest issues.

Watering
Water your fruit tree when the top two inches of the soil is dry. As the tree develops its roots, you can water less often. Keep in mind that to get a juicy crop, any fruit tree must get a deep soaking either by you or the rain. Drip systems help keep your fruit tree watered too. Mulch assists in retaining moisture.

For more information on controlling and identifying diseases and pest, consult a local arborist or make an appointment to have a consultation with a tree contractor. You want your fruit tree to produce a good-tasting crop that lasts for years to come. It can be accomplished with a little care and attention.

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