Posted by admin | Posted in trees,shrubs | Posted on 08-12-2010
Tags: pruning apricot trees california, pruning apricot trees in southern california
Can u give me some advice on fertilizing fruit trees–apricot, loquat and apple?
There are three fruit trees in my backyard—apricot, apple (dwarf), and loquat. They are established trees and have been planted for over 15 years. But they have not been fertilized of for at least 3 to 4 years. I think they have been pruned down but not carefully done–just pretty much pruned to keep the size not too big to not interfere with the wires in the neighborhood. They are planted with lawn grass around them and the lawn has been cared for–fertilized and watered regularly… so it looks healthy.
I’d like to get these trees to produce fruits again. Right now they produce tiny lil fruits that don’t look too appetizing. Leaf-growth looks good–green and plenty.
Can someone tell me if I can use Ammonium Sulfate for all three of them for fertlizer? I’m also planning on fertilizing them in early spring around Feb next year—is that a good time? I live in the bay area in California.. hardiness zone 9.
Those fruit stakes are good.
You can also see if there are any pruning clinics at local stores … (They used to have free flyers at that one in Fremont just past Mission Blvd. I like that store) There is probably stuff online too. Generally, you want to keep the center “open” and trim the height. You don’t want branches to touch each other.
Also – once the fruit starts to set as little hard green buds, you can trim 1/2 off them off. This will let the tree concentrate it’s energy on making the ones left on it bigger.
Finally, I can’t recall right now, but you might find out if you should be spraying the apricot for leaf-curl (I know you do that for peaches)
(We never fertilized the apple trees in our backyard … )
Apricot Pruning