6 Steps to Prep Fruit Trees

Fruit Trees are my favorite perennials on our little hobby farm. Why? Because for the least work they yield the greatest harvest of food you’ll ever receive! Obviously, healthy trees are the most successful at withstanding pests. On our Brentwood Bay property, we have 18 fruit trees including: quince, crab-apple, prune plum, fig, pear and apple. Most of the work needed for fruit trees in their annual cycle should be done in March and April. This allows time to get busy with your veggies, berries etc in May and June when they most need your attention. Sequencing your actions as follows in the 6 step list below, will create (over time) the least work and optimize your trees’ output. This list is a ‘what to do’ : 1. Remove dead & diseased wood. 2. Remove suckers & water shoots. 3. Shape as a south facing satellite dish. 4. Remove debris under tree. 5. Spread lime under the drip line. 6. Apply dormant oil spray. I have a variety of hand tools for pruning but typically stick with 4 main ones: 1. Hand pruners 2. Hand saw 3. Loppers (long handled pruner) 4. Extended handle saw & pruner combo For the dormant oil / pest spray, here's the recipe to DIY: For each gallon (~4 liters) of water you add these 3 ingredients: • 1 cup veg oil • 1 tablespoon baking soda • 1 tablespoon pure castile soap