The first step is identifying each tree and checking it for dead, diseased, or broken wood, followed by gradual dormant season pruning, a dormant oil spray, and spring feeding. Bringing a neglected fruit tree back usually takes a few seasons, since no more than 25 percent of the crown comes off in one year.

Why does identifying each fruit tree come first?

Because pests, diseases, and pruning timing differ between apples, pears, cherries, plums, and peaches. Apples alone face apple scab, fire blight, cedar apple rust, and codling moth, and some fruiting trees are pruned at different times of year than shade trees.

What should be checked on each tree first?

Its wood, bark, and base. Dead branches, dieback from the tips, cracked bark, oozing sap, insect holes, swellings on twigs, and mushrooms at the base all mark problems to address, and a tree with large dead limbs or a lean needs a certified arborist's evaluation.

How is a neglected fruit tree pruned back into shape?

Gradually, mostly while dormant in late fall or winter. Dead, diseased, and crossing branches come out first, dead wood can be removed at any time, and no more than 25 percent of the crown is cut in a single year, so restoring an overgrown tree is spread over several seasons.

What care do inherited fruit trees need in the first year?

A dormant spray, deep watering, and spring feeding. Mixed at one part oil to 50 parts water, Horticultural Oil Insect Spray is sprayed in non freezing weather while the trees and insects are dormant, controlling overwintering insects and eggs. For apples, deep and consistent watering during fruit development wets the root zone 24 to 36 inches down.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should an inherited apple tree be fed?

Early in spring, before new growth starts. Where the tree is an apple, TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer: Apple given at that point keeps releasing nitrogen through the growing season, and the same line includes versions for peach and other fruit trees.

Should fallen fruit and leaves be cleaned up?

Yes. Fallen leaves and fruit can carry disease into the next season, so they are raked up and removed.

Can a very old fruit tree be saved?

Often, if the trunk is sound. Large dead limbs, a lean, or advanced decay call for a certified arborist to judge whether the tree is safe to keep.

Can horticultural oil be used on every tree on the property?

No. Its label rules out beech, butternut, hickory, holly, sugar and Japanese maples, and walnut, among others.