Call it being proactive, call it using your green-thumb, call it common horticultural knowledge. However you choose to see it, becoming deciduous-tree savvy is needed, and fairly easy to do. If you are unfamiliar with how to care for your deciduous trees, read on to build a knowledge-base to keep your trees healthy and promote longevity.



Many deciduous trees, fruit trees especially, can survive in mountain regions?such as the apple tree or cherry tree, for instance. The apple tree requires extra chilling and cooler summer temps, so mountain regions offer this weather-bound setting. Many mountain regions, however, suffer from a risk of late frosts. Desert locations are another potential location for deciduous fruit trees. You rule out late frosts, for the most part anyway. Yet, mountain or foothill regions are, by far, a fairer location to plant deciduous trees.

When you plant your deciduous trees, choose a location with lots of sunlight and, if possible, protected from high winds. This will aid protecting trees during any unfortunate storms that blow across the region.

Some deciduous fruit trees require cross-pollination in order for the fruit tree to germinate and bud. Be certain that you find a compatible pollinator. You can do this by using a two-in-one or three-in-one grafted tree can be used. See your local nursery for further details.

Just as taking a proactive mindset to your planting is key, it's also a good idea to label varieties. If, for instance, a tree dies, you can quickly replace it. Having a backup map with written labels is another good idea, in the event that labels are lost or damaged due to inclement weather conditions.

Deciduous fruit trees should be pruned annually. Do so before buds swell. This promotes optimal growth and yield. Pruning, although sometimes arduous, doesn't need to be a complicated endeavor. Again, it's a matter of doing a little research, become familiar with the trees life cycle.

Three pruning phases are necessary for deciduous fruit trees. The first phase occurs during the planting phase of the tree. The goal is to help the tree create a vase-shaped structure. Also, when visiting a local nursery, be certain to purchase trees with well-developed root structures. Even though the upper portion of the tree might catch your eye when shopping for a hearty-looking tree, if the root system is weak, you may have trouble harvesting deciduous fruit trees.

The second pruning phase begins once the first year of growth is complete. Prune back your tree and cut it into scaffolds. This layering of branches promotes the greatest yield. Create some gaps, but don't prune back too much.

The third phase of pruning occurs once a tree reaches maturity, anywhere from 5-7 years for most deciduous trees. Prune the tree for fruit production during this phase. Pruning, again, needs to be focused on layering, or designing well-spaced scaffolding for fruit development and growth.

For more information on pruning fruit trees, contact the UC Cooperative Extension in Bakersfield, California. They have a 47-page journal entitled Pruning Fruit and Nut Trees. You can also contact your local nursery to gain further information on caring for deciduous trees in your area.