How to Improve Fruit on Nectarine Trees

Growing a nectarine tree can be an rewarding hobby for any gardener. Nectarines provide a great deal of satisfaction at the end of a harvest. Nectarines make great snacks, tasty jam and the tree itself grows pink and lavender blooms that blanket the lawn. Not only is improving fruit on a nectarine tree beneficial to the tree's health, but it is also an experience the whole family can enjoy.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Bypass loppers
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Pesticide
• Fertilizer
• Water hose

Instructions

1. Begin to fertilize and water the tree in the spring after the last frost. Use a fruit tree fertilizer and keep the ground moist when in full sun.

2. Examine the branches and locate the primary buds. These form on the thickest branch within a cluster, usually the oldest, most straight and darkest branch. These are the buds that will perform the best.

3. Cut away, with pruning shears, the limbs that stem from the main branch. Make your cut as close to the main branch as possible. This will eliminate the new growth that is less likely to produce well and is often over populated.

4. Use the bypass loppers whenever there is a branch out of reach, or is over one inch in thickness. Continue to thin the tree until the primary limbs and buds are free from clutter and interference.

5. Protect the tree from pests once the fruit has begun to grow. Spray weekly with a water hose/pesticide combination to improve overall appearance and growth.

Tips & Warnings

• By trimming away the new growth and clustered branches, you allow the tree to focus only on the blossoms that are the strongest. This will help to make larger, healthier fruit, and the tree will not be as susceptible to stress and infestations.

• Keep surrounding trees pruned to allow the sunlight to filter onto the blooms and ground of the nectarine tree. Sunlight is very important and should be kept at a strong six to eight hours of direct light per day. Watering and weeding are essential parts of growing a blossoming fruit tree. Keep the ground area free of debris and water when in full sun.

• Keep your pruning shears sharp as you cut away the small branches. You can easily slip and cut yourself if the blade has to be maneuvered rather than let to cut the way it was designed. The bypass loppers should be treated the same way. Do not allow children around the area until all the tools have been put away.

• Keep your hands protected from bugs and the blades, wearing gloves that are thick and strong. Protect your eyes from any falling debris with safety glasses.

References

• Fruit tree tips
• Fruit tree pruning