Key Steps to Successful Growing of Fruit Trees

1. Prune to Remove Dead and Diseased Wood
   The first step in our pruning process is to remove all dead and diseased wood from your fruit trees. This helps prevent the spread of diseases and allows for better air circulation and sunlight penetration. Cut back the branches with fruiting spurs to three buds above the spur. This encourages healthy growth and fruit production in the coming season. Additionally, remove any unwanted summer shoots that are not needed to create the desired shape or structure of the tree.

1. Apply Grease Bands to Prevent Pests
   To protect your trees from pests, it’s crucial to apply grease bands around the main trunk. These bands act as a barrier, stopping crawling insects from reaching the branches where they can cause damage. Grease bands are especially effective against winter moths and other pests that can lay eggs on your trees during the colder months.
2. Use a Winter Wash to Eliminate Pests and Diseases
   Another key step in preparing your fruit trees for the winter is to treat them with a winter wash. At GardenAdvice, we recommend using Vitax winter wash, a combination of natural oils that seeps into all the nooks and crannies of your trees branches. This treatment helps eliminate pests, pest eggs and disease spores that hide over winter, ready to attack your trees in the spring. Applying a winter wash ensures a healthier start for your trees when the growing season begins.
3. Feed Your Trees with Fertilizer
   While pruning is vital, don’t forget to feed your trees. A handful of Growmore fertiliser sprinkled around the base of your trees will provide essential nutrients, promoting robust growth and increased fruiting in the following year. This step is particularly important for replenishing the soil after a productive growing season.

1. Set Up Pheromone Traps for Pest Control
   Preparing for the next growing season involves more than just winter care. To protect your fruit trees from pests like the codling moth, set up pheromone traps in early spring. These traps are an effective way to reduce pest populations and prevent damage to your developing fruit.

Additional Tips for a Successful Harvest

As winter turns to spring and the flowers begin to fade, it’s crucial to support your trees during fruit formation. If the weather is dry, water your trees with a couple of cans of water weekly. This simple step can help your trees retain more fruit, increasing your overall yield.

By following these expert tips from GardenAdvice, you’ll be well on your way to a healthy and bountiful fruit harvest next year. If you want to ensure your trees receive the best care this winter, consider booking our Autumn-Winter Fruit Tree Pruning Service. Let our experts handle the pruning, pest control, and feeding, so you can enjoy a thriving garden all year round.