Are fruit trees always a struggle?

9 years ago

I planted 10 bare root fruit trees two falls ago. That first spring, only 4leaved out - 1 did well, 3 marginally. I planted 3 more larger nice trees that first spring (last year). This spring, still had 1 original peach doing well, a marginal pear, and 2 marginal apples. I had added a nectarine, Apple and another pear that all looked good this spring. And then, last week everything started yellowing and looking sickly. I have not sprayed ever - figured I didn't need to since I was not getting any fruit yet. Don't know if I was suppose to anyway? Need some guidance please.

It it is a sunny site, some minor drainage issues - not ideal, but not too wet , I have added compost and mulched around them - I'm in SE Michigan. Thoughts?

Featured Answer

eastmeetwest

9 years ago

Yes.

Yes, many fruit trees have both diseases and pests. So choosing disease resistant varieties help. To think that you can grow fruit trees and will get fruit is misguided. If it's that easy, you will see fruit trees everywhere instead of ornamental or flowering trees.

Location - some locations have less pest and disease pressure than the others.

Only few fruit trees like persimmons, pawpaws or jujubes require little care. If you want apples, peaches, pears, you will need to do something to protect aginst diseases and pests.

Armed with knowledge ; about site of planting, suitable fruit trees for your areas, how to deal with pests and diseases when it happens is important. Look up university extension services like State U of Michigan is very good. Cornell and Penn State have a lot of info for home orchard growers.

To avoid planting in bad area/wet areas (most fruit trees don't like wet soil). Make berms/mounds and plant trees on them. Work well short-term and long term.

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Comments (9)

gardengirlhere
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you for that input. I have chosen trees that are suppose to grow in my area. I will spend some time on those university sites looking up ideas. Just thought there might be some successful growers out there that had other tried and true methods. Will keep trying for now.
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User
9 years ago
What has been the source of your fruit trees? Have you had success in planting other trees?
Konrad..just outside of Edmonton Alberta
9 years ago
Next time you might want to purchase and plant in spring.
gardengirlhere thanked Konrad..just outside of Edmonton Alberta
rphcfb14
9 years ago
Like Konrad suggest, potted trees may be harder to get established especially if the yre root bound or poorly treated/neglected before you bought them.

Try ordering from on line nursery in late fall for the next spring planting. You will have a lot more choices of varieties to choose from. Try Adam County Nursery, Cummins Nursery, Grandpa Orchard, Burntridge Nursery. They are all reliable.

all fruit trees do not like wet soil. Some may tolerate it. Most may die after a while. It will be a waste of your time and money to plant fruit trees in a poor drainage site. Make berms or mounds or raised beds before you plant.
gardengirlhere thanked rphcfb14
party_music50
9 years ago
It's recommended that you do NOT amend your soil (if only amending the soil in the planting hole) when planting trees, so that may be a contributing factor too.
gardengirlhere thanked party_music50
gardengirlhere
Original Author
9 years ago

I originally purchased the bare root trees from a reputable on line nursery. The potted trees came from a local well known nursery. I think the bare roots were a problem from the beginning because I tried to mound them, but because they were basically just sticks, it was difficult to do that. The potted trees were a nice size and seemed to be healthy at the beginning of spring this year.

So I guess what I need to know is - do I need to spray these trees with something now, even though they are not yet fruit bearing? The nectarine did have fruit, but most has fallen off. One Apple also had some tiny shriveled fruit. Also, we have a beehive nearby that I do not want to harm. Not sure what would be safe to use.
gardengirlhere
Original Author
9 years ago
Sorry for the double picture. ☺️
Jean
9 years ago
See this basic info for Michigan:

"Planting fruit trees" http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/planting_fruit_trees

"Growing fruit trees in the backyard" http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/growing_fruit_trees_in_the_backyard

Also, you can receive detailed advice from your county's Extension Service office; Locate that office with this interactive map - http://npic.orst.edu/pest/countyext.htm
gardengirlhere thanked Jean