Most fruit trees should be pruned when they are dormant. Most gardeners are inside shivering in their boots during dormant season, as you well know, if your tree is overgrown!
Unless your apple tree is declining or diseased, it can still be pruned.
It is very hard to kill an apple tree by pruning it, but neglecting it is an invitation to disease and pests. So give us a call today, while there is still time, and you will be thankful later in the year.
Disease problems in fruit trees often overwinter on dried fruits and leaves that fell to the ground in the Autumn and were never cleaned up. The spores stay to re-infect the tree in the spring as the leaves begin to emerge. This is why sanitation beneath and around your fruit trees is critical. Rake up and removes all debris from the tree, each year. Dead or diseased branches must be pruned and removed each spring.
You should apply dormant oil spray to your fruit trees before they begin to bud out. For apple and pear trees, dormant oil is used to control scale and spider mitesPlum, peach, apricot and cherry require lime-sulphur spray.
The spray must be applied at the right time with complete coverage of the tree. Dormant oil or lime-sulphur should be sprayed on the tree while it is still dormant. Thin out excessive growth before spraying.
DO NOT combine dormant oil applications with lime-sulfur, or pesticides containing sulfur, as tree injury may result.
Here is a link to a dormant spray guide. Learn more about dormant spraying here.
With the heavy rains we have had recently and with all the new growth of suckers and leaves, some maples may be in danger of splitting. Look at your maples closely and if something does not look quite right, give us a call. Large branches have been known to suddenly fall and as they are very, very heavy, it can be dangerous.
Balsams or “Grand Firs” are also very heavily burdened with cones right now, as well as new growth. The tops can snap suddenly with the excess weight.
Why worry, when you can receive expert advice and help if you need it?
Tree Canker or Black Knot is caused by a fungus and affects a wide range of species including plums, cherries and apricots. Spore release is heaviest at blossom time. Prune and destroy infected branches before bud break.
Prune at least 2-4 inches below each knot. If pruning or removal of major limbs is not possible then you must cut away the knot down to healthy wood at least 1/2 inch beyond the knot.
Infected trees usually require pruning on an annual basis until the disease is completely eradicated. Knots will continue to grow until they girdle the branch and kill it. Severe infections can eventually kill the tree.
If you notice Black Knot on your trees, give us a call at your earliest convenience!
If your buds are starting to pop, it is too late. Trees need to be dry for a week after spraying and cannot suffer a frost. Best now to wait till the autumn.
You can be pruning now, but not hedge trimming. Wait for late August or early September, especially for Leyland Cedars.
You can lime your lawn now, too.
In the vegetable garden, it is a good time to plant peas. A cold frame is a good idea this early in the year. We are going to wait another couple of weeks for the broad beans.
Godolphin Tree Service is a company that spans three generations, that was established in 1978.
If your trees are looking ragged and unkempt you still have time to get them pruned before the spring!