Maintaining fruit trees is a fulfilling activity that can provide you with fresh and delicious fruits straight from your garden. With a wide selection of fruit trees there is one for each and every gardener.

Firstly, it’s essential to plant your fruit tree in a location that receives plenty of sunlight and is well-drained. Fruit trees require at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive, so choose a spot that is not shaded by buildings or other trees. Additionally, make sure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and other diseases.

Secondly, it’s essential to prune your fruit tree regularly to promote healthy growth and fruit production. Pruning helps to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches, which can serve as a breeding ground for pests and diseases. It also encourages the growth of new, healthy branches that will produce more fruit in the future. Be sure to use sharp, clean tools and follow proper pruning techniques to avoid damaging the tree.

Thirdly, it’s important to fertilize your fruit tree regularly to ensure it has the nutrients it needs to thrive.  We recommend using a slow-release fertilizer with a nutrient ratio of 10-10-10 or 8-8-8. Avoid using high-phosphorous fertilizers, as this can encourage root growth at the expense of fruit production. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive growth and weak branches that are more susceptible to damage.

Monitoring for pests and diseases such as aphids, mites, and fungal infections is essential for maintaining a fruit tree. If you notice any signs of problems, take action immediately to prevent further damage. As you may know, here at Yard Dudes we like to keep it organic. We suggest using neem oil and insecticidal soap to handle pests and simply prune any affected branches to prevent the spread of disease.

What Fruit Trees Can You Grow and What Diseases Should You Look Out For?

Red Mulberry –> Native to Wisconsin the red mulberry tree comes from rich woodlands, pastures, and fields. You may even see one growing alongside one of our roadways. The Red Mulberry produces purplish-red berries that are completely safe to consume! They are known for their reddish-brown bark and milky sap.

American Plum –> The American Plum is one of the most beautiful, fruit-producing trees that you can grow. It holds flagrant clusters of whiter flowers and has a short trunk with many spreading branches. The plums ripen to a vibrant red in August-September. The fall coloration typically takes an electric red or faded yellow.

Honeycrisp Apple –> These elegant trees produce green foliage and white blossoms. They bear red/yellow apples with juicy,  near-white flesh. Their flowers bloom in early to mid-May and fruit ripen in mid-September. Honeycrisp trees can grow to be 25 feet tall and 25 feet wide. They are known for their delicious apples.

Apple Trees

• Lipstick Rust / Japanese Apple Rust: discovered in 2021 in Wisconsin, causes bright fuschia or red leaf spots on apple and crabapple hosts.
• Scab Disease / Apple Scab: Affects leaves and fruit of crabapple trees as well as apple trees.  Look for small black or olive-green spots with irregular margins on leaves. The spots may be velvety and have an olive-green, sooty appearance on the upper surface.
• White Rot: Affects apple trees wood and fruit but does not affect the leaves. Look for small, circular spots or “blisters” on twigs in June and July. These spots will enlarge, become somewhat sunken, and fill with a watery fluid.

Red Mulberry

• Bacterial Leaf Scorch: Identifiable by yellow or browned leaf edges. This disease has no cure and is spread by insects such as skittlebugs, and leafhoppers. This is another reason why treating your trees for insects is very important.
• Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and fruit of the tree. It can cause leaves to curl, turn yellow, and fall off prematurely. Consistent watering and fertilization are important for preventing powdery mildew.
• Verticillium Wilt: This fungal disease attacks the tree’s vascular system, causing leaves to wilt and turn yellow or brown. It can also cause the bark to crack and peel. Unfortunately, there is no cure for verticillium wilt, so prevention is key. Make sure your tree is planted in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.

In conclusion, taking care of fruit trees requires some effort, but it’s well worth it for the delicious fruits they produce. By planting in a sunny, well-drained location, pruning regularly, fertilizing appropriately, and monitoring for pests and diseases, you can ensure your fruit tree stays healthy and productive for years to come.