We moved into this home a few years ago, and would like to save our small orchard. Time to take it seriously!

We have enjoyed peaches from two trees for several years, but the last two years they have started dropping leaves in mid summer, and fruit production has fallen. (It looks like what our extension service calls "wasting.") I also noticed spots on the leaves early last season. One is over 20 years old, but the other is only about 5 years old.

I finally found the formula to keep the deer from killing new apple trees by eating their new growth, so we put four new ones in last year.

Two 4-year-old pears are growing great, but have not yet blossomed. It should be about time, shouldn't it, as they are both about 12 feet high now?

We put in three new cherries last year, two tart varieties and a sweet to go with an old bing that was already there. They are doing well so far.

Apricots in different areas of the property put on fruit most years, then drop it before it matures. Leaves fall soon after.

The orchard area has had fruit trees of various kinds on it for generations, along with vegetable gardens. The soil is pretty well depleted. It looks like I need to apply a 10-10-10 fertilizer right now.

What can I do NOW (April) to help prevent fungus on the peaches? The buds are popping now. Or must I wait until fall?

What spraying should I be doing on all these different fruits to protect against diseases and insects?

Can anyone recommend a good reference book for care of fruit trees?