Fruit trees can be a delightful addition to any home garden. Not only do they produce delicious fruit, but they offer shade and natural beauty. However, caring for fruit trees can be quite challenging, especially during the summer months, when the scorching sun can do a lot of damage to your trees. To help you keep your fruit trees thriving throughout the summer season, we’ve compiled some tips and tricks for fruit tree care that will ensure your trees remain healthy and productive.
Tip #1: Watering
One of the most crucial aspects of fruit tree care in summer is providing adequate water to your trees. A lack of water can lead to stunted growth, reduced fruit yield, and even death. The amount of water your trees need will depend on a variety of factors like the type of tree, the age of the tree, soil type, and climatic conditions. Generally, young fruit trees need daily watering, while mature trees need watering once or twice a week. However, always ensure that the soil is moist up to the root level, but avoid over-watering.
For more detailed watering tips, check out our article on watering best practices!
Tip #2: Fertilizing
Fruit trees require proper nutrition to grow and produce healthy fruits. During the hot summer months, it can be harder for trees to get important nutrients naturally. However, traditional fertilizers are full of harsh chemicals that aren’t great for your health. A natural alternative like our Bio-Stimulants is a better option for fruit trees that you plan to harvest edible fruit from. Applying Bio-Stimulants twice a year will ensure that your fruit trees have all the nutrients they need for growth and reproduction.
Tip #3: Pruning
Pruning is a crucial aspect of fruit tree care, but it’s important not to give your trees “too much love.” During the summer, it’s best not to do any major pruning, as it can lead to sunburn on the tree’s bark and damage to the tree’s structure. However, removing any dead or diseased branches is essential, as it ensures the tree’s health. Additionally, pruning out deadwood in summer can help to thin out excess foliage, allowing sunlight to reach the fruit, encouraging ripening. It’s best to have a professional help with pruning, as improper pruning can do more harm than good.
Tip #4: Pest and Disease Control
Summer brings with it a host of pests and diseases that can decimate your fruit trees. Common insect pests like aphids, worms, and borers can infest your trees, leading to reduced fruit yield and tree damage. Fungal diseases like apple scab and cedar apple rust can cause damage to foliage on apple trees. Cherry trees often see fungal issues such as leaf spot. As we mentioned above, it’s important not to use harmful chemicals on trees that bear fruit you intend to consume. There are some natural treatments for insects and diseases on fruit trees, but prevention is the best way to avoid these issues. Unhealthy trees are more susceptible to pests, so keep your trees happy and healthy through Bio-Stimulant treatments, watering, and proper pruning.
Tip #5: Protecting Trees from Extreme Heat
Finally, during the summer season, it’s essential to protect your fruit trees from extreme heat. Young fruit trees are more susceptible to sunburn and heat stress than mature trees. You can protect your trees by planting them in areas where they get a good balance of shade and sun. If your trees are already established, you can try setting up shade cloth around the tree’s perimeter. Additionally, mulching around the base of the tree provides an insulation layer, keeping the soil cool, and retaining moisture.
Caring for fruit trees in summer can be quite a task. However, with proper care and attention, your fruit trees can thrive even in the hottest months of the year. Remember to provide adequate water, fertilize your trees, prune when necessary, protect your trees from pests and diseases, and shield them from extreme heat. Following these tips and tricks will ensure that your fruit trees produce healthy fruits and remain a beautiful addition to your garden for many years to come.
