Renovating an old fruit tree can seem like a big task at first. Watch this video as Tricia walks you through the first steps to bring back that old tree.
Restoring Neglected Fruit Trees: A Step-by-Step Guide
Do you have an old, neglected fruit tree in your yard? Good news—you can renovate it and enjoy its fruit once more! Restoring a fruit tree takes time and care, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Here’s how to revive your tree and bring it back to life.
Assessing Your Tree
Before you begin, determine if your tree is worth saving. Ask yourself:
- Does it produce fruit you enjoy?
- Is the trunk sound and free from rot?
- Is it free from severe diseases like fire blight or scab?
If the tree is hollow or heavily diseased, restoration may be too stressful and could fail. Consider replacing it or taking cuttings to propagate the variety later. Apples and pears are ideal for renovation, while cherries, peaches, and nectarines are harder to rejuvenate and may be better replaced.
First Steps: Dead Wood and Suckers
Start by removing dead wood or branches, which can be done any time of year. Summer makes it easier to distinguish between dead and live branches. Cut off suckers growing from the trunk or ground as well.
Winter Pruning
Winter is the best time for reshaping your tree. Plan how you want it to look in a few years and mark branches you wish to keep.
- Remove up to one-third of branches, focusing on tall branches, downward-growing branches, and crossing branches.
- Prune branches all the way to their point of origin.
- Thin smaller branches to increase sunlight and air circulation in the canopy.
- Use limb spreaders to train younger branches to grow at a 60-90 degree angle.
Tips for Effective Restoration
- Never remove more than one-third of the canopy at once; it will encourage excessive regrowth.
- Younger branches (less than four years old) are ideal for fruit production. Space branches 1.5 to 2 feet apart.
- For large branches, enlist a certified arborist to avoid damage or injury.
Restoration is a multi-year process, but with patience, your tree will reward you with a bountiful harvest. Stay tuned for further tips on continuing the renovation process and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Grow organic for life!
