Fruit Trees

This year I planted several semi-dwarf fruit trees, specifically the kinds that can (preserve) well. These trees can grow up to 12'+ if not kept in check! In this photo you can see my "semi-dwarf" almond tree in the center of the back corner of my back yard---it's huge! Next to it are a semi-dwarf navel orange tree and a semi-dwarf tangerine tree, both of which have gotten a little too tall, too! I will have to whittle them down to size pretty soon. To keep semi-dwarf (or even dwarf) fruit trees a manageable height, start them off right by diligent pruning. I know, it's hard to cut off their brand new little limbs, but later you will be happier for it.
Above, you will see one of my new apricot trees and I will show you that it will survive a pruning. Cut back new growth on fruit trees by half. (Apricots may need to be cut back 3-4 times during the summer---they are very vigorous!). Below, you will see the same tree after I pruned it. Doesn't it look better?!

Also, any newly planted (this spring) fruit trees that have fruit on them need to have that fruit removed. That way all of the tree's energy will be focused on growth instead of fruit making. The trees will be stronger, healthier, and better able to produce more fruit next year.

If you have any fruit trees that are past their first year, you need to make sure their fruit has been thinned. I know, this is hard, too. We want all of the fruit possible, forget about thinning, and then have to deal with small fruit, and broken branches from the weight of the excess fruit. Fruit needs to be thinned so that there is 4-6" between each piece of fruit. There are a certain number of leaves that feed each piece of fruit and if there are too many fruits, the tree may come under stress and suffer for it. Stressed trees are an easier target for pests and diseases, and we don't want to have to deal with that!