How to Protect Peach & Nectarine Trees
Peach and nectarine trees live for many years and produce an abundance of sweet, nutritious fruit if taken care of. Both of these trees, however, are more prone to disease and insects than many other types of fruit trees, and these problems can quickly ruin your hard work. Gophers and other small animals also can ruin your trees. This article covers the basics of tending to and protecting your peach and nectarine trees. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Pruning shears
- Fungicide
- Pesticide
- Fertilizer
- Dormant spray
- Lightweight chicken wire
Instructions
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1
Prune your peach or nectarine tree as usual, cutting away the center branches to allow good air flow, which will help prevent mold from forming on the branches and trunk. Immediately cut away any diseased or broken branches.
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2
In the winter, apply a dormant spray -- an oil-based spray meant to be used when the tree has shed its leaves -- evenly over the trunk, branches and leaves of your tree. Dormant spray often is a mix of oil and lime sulfur, and it sometimes has a mix of copper. All Seasons offers dormant sprays that are especially good for fruit and shade trees.
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3
Apply fertilizer near your tree one to two months after planting your tree. Keep the fertilizer away from the trunk of the tree and reapply twice a year.
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4
Apply a combination of fungicide and insecticide to your tree during the year to help keep away insects and fungus. Try to spray evenly, and avoid drips and runs on the leaves. Use organic products if possible to be kinder on the environment.
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5
Bury chicken wire around the base of the tree, giving the tree enough room to grow safely. The chicken wire will help prevent gophers and other pests from getting to the tree's roots.
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Tips & Warnings
You can help prevent disease by planting your peach or nectarine tree somewhere with strong sun and a solid breeze. The circulation of air will help keep diseases away. Remove vertical branches and old branches: they are less likely to produce fruit and will get in the way of healthy new branches. Give your tree organic mulch to help it keep in moisture. Mulch also slows down the growth of weeds. Planting garlic near the tree may help prevent small animals from eating your fruit. Give your trees extra water two to three weeks before it's time to harvest fruit.
Weeds can compete for your tree's nutrients and weaken your tree. Keep at least 3 feet bare around the base of your tree. When pruning your tree, be careful not to scratch healthy branches. Bruised or cut branches are more prone to disease. If your tree has too much fruit growing on it, the branches will break from the weight and you'll lose your fruit. Pick fruit frequently to keep branches light.
