Spring Care for Fruit Trees

Add Nutrients

Late Winter is also the time to apply conditioners to the soil. Additives such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium need time to be absorbed and spread evenly throughout the soil. Applying them weeks before the growing season is the best bet to allow the roots to properly take in the different nutrients.

Plant

If you intend to expand your orchards, begin preparations now. Despite the cold conditions and the poor appearance of the trees, this is a good time to plant any bare root trees. Because of the cold, the sap isn’t flowing and could freeze in place and kill the tree. Once you get them in the ground, feel free to add some protection against the cold if you think it’s necessary. The added protection could help the trees grow more and isn’t likely to hurt them. However, take care not to add anything that would stimulate the tree, because if it comes out of its dormant state, it may not survive the cold. The best form of freeze protection is to wrap the tree in dry blankets (maybe also a tarp or thin plastic to shield from the rain), taking care not to break any of the branches. If the blankets get wet, remove them and replace them.

Prune

Dead branches are exposed and easy to see this time of year, so take the opportunity to prune them closely, as well as cleaning up any branches that threaten to rub against one another. If you are careful, you won’t cause any damage to the tree. Just be sure not to cut it too closely lest you expose fresh bark to the wind.