Maintaining a fruit tree in the spring

Spring has finally arrived, the days are getting longer, and the soil is warming up. It is now time to take care of your fruit tree so there's an abundance of delicious fruits to harvest later.

Learn more about how to maintain trees in the spring with the following pruning, watering and fertilization tips.

Pruning fruit trees

Pruning trees prevents the development of diseases and helps them access more light and air. It also improves yields.

Unfortunately, at this time of year, it is not recommended to prune trees. The sap has started flowing again and cutting your tree would most likely harm it and expose it to various diseases.

Pruning should be done from mid-February to mid-April.

Watering

As for all other plants, your fruit tree needs water to survive, and this, mainly over the first three years of its life. Water on a regular basis as it will help your tree develop a strong root system.

We recommend watering directly at the base of the tree. The quantity required will be determined by the type of soil your tree is planted in.

Mulching

Apply mulch at the base of the tree to control weeds throughout the summer and retain moisture.

Staking

If you have a young fruit tree, protect it by installing a stake on the side prevailing winds blow from. It's important to avoid placing the stake near the base as you could damage the tree's roots. Use an angled stake.

Fertilization

Your fruit tree should be fertilized twice a year: towards the end of spring, and in early fall. Use an organic-based fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 18-8-8. You can also apply a 2 to 5-cm-thick layer of compost at the base of the tree.

Protect your tree from rodents
Protect your harvest from hungry rodents by installing plastic spirals around the trunk, or use a liquid repellent to keep them at bay.

How long before fruits can be harvested?

It takes between 3 and 5 years to get a first harvest from an apple or cherry tree, and from 5 to 8 years in the case of a pear tree. For berries such as raspberries, the wait is only one year.