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Proper fruit tree care doesn’t just make your yard look better — it also makes it taste better. Most people think “edible garden” and think veggie plots, maybe edible flowers and perhaps some strawberries. However, fruit trees are also edible, assuming you care for them and nurture them into producing a bountiful harvest. First, make sure you choose fruit trees that suit your climate. If they aren’t native plants, you’re going to have a tough time making them grow.

Every fruit tree is different, but some general best practices apply to most. For instance, the vast majority of fruit trees like to soak up the sun all day long from spring through early autumn. No sunlight equals no fruit, and some trees like citrus or feijoas are thirsty for “winter sun.” You also need to protect them from wind and early spring frosts, which might involve some creativity in order to give them that and plenty of sun at the same time (like planting them where your house blocks the wind).

Bear in mind that fruit trees are alphas and don’t want grass in their root areas either — instead, plant groundcover or mulch below them. Chickens are another solution to the problem — they are happy to take care of that grass and offer up some eggs to go with that impending fruit salad.

Nurture Your Trees and They’ll Return the Favor

In fruit trees’ early years, they want regular water and are especially thirsty in the warmer months. When they do start bearing fruit, make sure to pick up the fallen pieces immediately. You can either eat it or compost it. Otherwise, you will attract insects. Of course, if you have chickens, they’ll be happy to gobble up the fallen goods for you — and then dole out some fertilizer.

Avoid planting in heavy clay soil if you can, since that makes draining tough and can lead to root rot. Prior to planting, mix up compost in the soil, particularly in and near the planting hole. Loose draining soil with compost should be the key ingredient in your fruit tree’s area. Make the mound look like a volcano to encourage water runoff, and you might even want to dig trenches for gravel for extra draining capacity. On the other end of the spectrum is sandy soil, since it has minimal moisture and nutrients. Composting is again the solution, as is heavy mulching. Make sure to water sandy soil more, so that your fruit tree gets its fill.

For a professional touch, give Reliable Tree Care a call and enjoy flawless fruit tree care while you kick back and enjoy the harvest.

You may imagine trimming that gorgeous outdoor pine for the holidays when looking for a new home, lot or property — but do not get caught up in that fantasy quite yet. Buying a home or lot with plentiful and mature trees has its pros and potential cons. All trees, plants and shrubs require routine care and maintenance in order to stay healthy. If you are an avid gardener, committed to having an arborist inspect your greenery annually, and have the knowledge and finances to care for a green space, that’s great. If not, you may want to reconsider what kind of greenery your potential investment boasts.

Home inspections do not include the inspection of the trees on your property. Diseased, dying or pest-riddled trees are not always apparent to the naked eye. Plus, unless you are an expert arborist yourself, you probably cannot gauge if a tree is too close to the home, in need of trimming or if it’s a species that will grow to 10 times its size and become unmanageable.

Here are three major considerations to make about trees before you make an offer on a home:

1. Check the roots for obvious problems.

It is pretty evident when a tree is too close to concrete: The concrete (whether driveway, path or otherwise) is lifted and cracked. If you catch wind that Roto-Rooter is a regular guest at the home, that’s a red flag that the roots are interfering with the sewage system — which is not something you want. Consider how close trees are to the property and concrete before falling in love with them.

2. Hire a tree inspector.

You would not make an offer on a property without hiring a house inspector, and the same should go for a tree inspector. You may need to remove a tree (which can be very expensive) in order to build your dream home or protect it. A tree may be diseased or dying, which can add an immense cost to you. You might also find out that the previous owners unknowingly planted a tree that will grow to be 50 feet tall on a tiny lot.

3. Do some research.

Find out what kind of trees are on the property and research them. Those cherry blossoms might look gorgeous when you are house hunting in the early spring, but do you know how messy they can get? Are you prepared to care for a walnut tree that will drop its bounty (sometimes painfully!) in the autumn? Everyone has a different comfort level when cleaning up after a tree or paying a professional to do it. Know yours before you start house hunting.

Trees can add a great value to a home, but only if they are healthy, maintained and fit with your lifestyle. For advice about trees before purchasing a home, call the experts at Reliable Tree Care for a tree inspection.

Sometimes homeowners are not sure if tree trimming or removal is in order. Removing a tree is a big undertaking, but may be necessary to make room for construction, or if it is diseased beyond saving. Two of the major components of tree removal include height and how complicated the job is. Basic removal consists of cutting it down, a process that involves “roping down the tree” and sawing it into manageable pieces. Sometimes hauling away the debris is included in the pricing, but other times it is a separate task for the homeowner to handle.

An additional service many homeowners want is stump removal, which is surprisingly rarely included in basic tree-removal services. Stump removal requires special equipment, and the price is gauged on diameter and location. One silver lining is that with a very diseased tree, a rotting stump is typically easier (and cheaper) to remove than a healthy one. Extra fees also may apply for limb chopping, trunk removal, log splitting (if desired) and in some cases travel expenses. Homeowners in rural areas may have to pay extra to have experts come out.

Tree Types Play a Role

Many homeowners prefer to control pests, disease and take care of routine trimming on their own. Trees add incredible value to a home or property, and it is easy to see why preserving is a better move than removal. Plus, very large trees can be expensive and dangerous to take down. It can easily cost thousands of dollars to remove a large tree, especially if you want to add on extra services.

Removing a fallen tree is easier, but it is better to prevent this disaster in the first place. Sometimes it cannot be avoided, like if a lightning strike or natural disaster causes the fall. However, a fallen tree probably had health issues before taking a tumble. That’s why annual or bi-annual inspections are critical to ensure your trees are healthy, safe and secure. If a tree that has not been inspected recently falls on a home, it may even be feasible that homeowners insurance will not cover the damages.

“Hard” Wood

The price of removal is also dependent on what type of wood it is. For example, an oak is a tough tree that’s difficult to remove. They can also grow very tall — a mature 60-foot oak is a real beast to remove. Pine trees are much easier, even though they can also grow tall (some up to 80 feet). However, because it’s a generally softer wood, pine costs less to remove.

A good approach is to opt for just branch removal or trimming if your tree is still relatively healthy — it’s fast, simple, affordable, and if branches are interfering with power lines, your power company might foot the bill.

A tree’s trouble with diseases, pests or the impact from a particularly brutal winter can have their owners wondering if they can be saved or not. Trees are, of course, living things—and living things can fall ill. Minor ailments, which are akin to human common colds, can be a damaged limb or a nascent pest infestation. However, more severe issues like trunk damage means it’s better to have a tree removed. There are many things to consider from environmental factors to age.

Most tree owners don’t moonlight as arborists, so it is tough for them to tell when a tree can be saved and when it can’t. Just like you wouldn’t diagnose yourself with a serious illness (except during those late-night WebMD sessions), you also need an expert to determine just how ill a tree is. Usually, it is recommended that a tree is removed instead of saved if there are safety risks. If it’s likely that a tree wouldn’t survive a storm, it’s best to remove it to avoid any threats to people or property.

The Weakest Limb

Damage can range from mild to severe. However, a damaged tree is more prone to disease and further weakening—again, just like humans. Tree owners may notice damage when leaves become discolored, veinless or if strange nodules appear on the bark. However, sometimes only an expert can spot damage. It can take many years for an ill tree to decay, and internal decay can be particularly tough to spot. Telltale signs can include mushrooms sprouting at the roots and peeling bark or fungus.

A lack of red flags is one of the many reasons to have trees inspected each year by a professional. Severe trunk and root problems often lead to removal, but if caught early enough, the tree may be saved. Pruning, trimming and at times fertilizing trees can help nurse them back to health. A tree owner may be able to do some of these tasks him or herself, but it’s much easier and more effective to rely on a professional.

Prune for Health

Prunes are great for the human system, and pruning is fantastic for trees. It’s the best way to ward off infections and disease. Depending on the type of tree, it could benefit from pruning once or more each year. The best time to prune is late autumn or winter, since insects aren’t around and sap doesn’t easily run. However, any time of year is a good time to have a professional assess your trees and shrubs. The earlier a problem is caught, the more likely that the tree can be saved. Contact Reliable Tree Care of Murray, Utah, to schedule a tree inspection on your property. Make sure your trees are disease- and pest-free this spring.

Fruit tree care is important year-round, but early spring is when the bulk of the work should be done. Superior care encourages the formation of flower buds, which encourages pollination and ultimately survival. These types of trees require a little more TLC than others, and newbie owners would do well to learn methods of proper care to help ensure their tree’s health. Pruning for fruit trees varies slightly based on tree type and region, but generally begins in late February and extends to early April. Make sure to begin pruning prior to the tree’s “leafing out” period.

If you completely missed the bud breaking, it might be best to wait until after summer. Summer pruning can do more harm than good. The one exception is water sprouts, which can be trimmed in the heat of summer (June or July). If you are considering dormant oil sprays, which are petroleum products combined with water for pest control, timing is also critical. Aim for early April before trees come out of dormancy, and apply only a thin layer to plug pores where mites and insects like to lurk.

To Fertilize or Not to Fertilize?

Many fruit tree owners do not see the need for fertilization, but it depends on the fertility of the soil. Assess the tree growth to make a fertilization decision. If a fruit tree does not bear fruit, it should be growing between 15 and 30 inches every year. If it does bear fruit, between 8 and 15 inches is ideal. Should fertilization be a good choice, choose a balanced fertilizer and take care of this task before bud breakage.

Figuring out exactly how much to fertilize can be a challenge. However, the basic equation is 1/10 pound of nitrogen for every year of the tree’s life. If you are not certain of the tree’s age, it is best to have an expert take care of fertilization. Plus, you can also discuss with a professional the pros and cons of organic versus nonorganic fertilizers.

The Perfect Plan

Everything from trimming to fertilizing is best done as close to bud breakage as possible, which calls for daily check-ins during this critical period. Fertilize too soon, such as in early March, and the results will not be as effective. In some parts of the world, including Utah, spring is arriving early, which means gardeners are hustling to get their fruit trees in order.

For best results, ensure tools are cleaned, sharpened if necessary and in good working order. The results of tree care are only as good as your skills and tools. Stay on top of tree care, and you may literally enjoy the fruits of your labor come summer. Reliable Tree Care provides pruning and insect treatment services for fruit trees in and around the Murray, Utah, area. Trust them to provide superior care for your fruit trees, and to give you tips and advice on how best to take care of them.

Is your tree on fertile ground—or is a little fertilization in order? Trees, shrubs and plants are living things, and they need the right nutrients to thrive. Also, just like you, they might need a little help in that area. You take a multi-vitamin or shake up your diet to optimize your health, but what if you were stuck with the same old (limited) fare every day? Your trees can’t head to the supermarket for a daily multivitamin or vary their meals; they’re relying on the same soil day in and day out. Chances are it’s not optimized for their health.

Nutrient deficiencies in the soil mean your tree won’t be the best it can be. It’ll be more vulnerable to pests and diseases, and will have a shorter lifespan than comparable trees who are well fertilized. There are two major types of nutrients trees need: Micronutrients and macronutrients. Trees need more macronutrients than micro, but both are crucial. Macronutrients include calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Micronutrients include boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese and molybdenum.

But how do you know if your trees are “hungry?”

Feed Me, Seymour (or Whatever Your Name May Be)

There are numerous signs of deficiencies—one of the most common being yellowing in between leaf veins—but you’re no arborist. The only way to tell if your soil is top notch is by testing it, and a tree specialist can do that for you. However, get ready: The odds of your soil having the perfect balance of all nutrients is nearly impossible. Luckily, there are many options for fertilizers and there are a variety of options when it comes to price, care and sustainability.

Choose from organic or inorganic (synthetic) fertilizers to give your trees the nutrition they need. While inorganic fertilizers are more soluble than organic, leading to a quicker dose of the good stuff, there are obvious reasons why some homeowners prefer organic materials. Your tree specialist will break down the pros and cons of each type of fertilizer to ensure you (and your trees) are matched with the best solution for you. Keep in mind that where you live (and not just the soil) can play a key role in the need to fertilize.

Location, Location, Location

Similar to humans, trees in high stress environments like urban areas or the suburbs need a little more TLC. There isn’t as much moisture, they risk physical damage, there’s more competition and soil compaction is an issue. Fertilizers can minimize these stressors, but it’s also paramount that trees are well pruned and watered.

Ideally, soil samples are taken before trees are planted and again every three years. However, it’s never too late to start giving your tree the diet it deserves. If a positive change in diet works wonders for you, just imagine what it can do for your landscape.

Want to really chow organic, local and save money? Planting a few fruit trees can do the trick—you just need to match the trees with your region and ability. Of course, the latter can definitely be a challenge. Not all fruit trees are equal when it comes to how much attention they demand, how “fruitful” they really are and there are some fruit trees which are difficult for even master gardeners.

Luckily, there are more “easy trees” than difficult ones. Be realistic when thinking about how much time you have to dedicate to them. Here are a few of the easiest to grow fruit trees, perfect for beginners, that will have you digging in to truly yard-to-table fare quicker than you can spell “sustainable” backwards:

1. Apples

You don’t need an entire orchard to whip up your famous apple pies, crumbles or simply enjoy a few slices with cheese. These trees are surprisingly easy to care for, but many varieties do require a lot of space. If that’s an issue, check out the Dwarf Family Apple. They fit easily in containers and still give you the crispiness and healthy boost you crave.

2. Currants

Feel the pull from across the pond? Currants might be a favorite in the UK, but they’re actually really easy to grow in the US—right in a container. Use them to make a jam, dress up a dish and enjoy the fresh taste of summer even in the chilly winter months.

3. Mulberries

A mulberry tree doesn’t just dole out delectable fruits, but it’s also a gorgeous addition to your landscape. Use the fruits of your labor to create pies, scones, add them to pancakes or even make ice cream with the berries. Incredibly easy growers that ask for little care, it’s a starter favorite for a reason.

4. Cherry Trees

The North Star Tart Cherry is especially simple, but many cherry trees offer an abundance of fruits with very little care. Just be careful if the local birds catch wind of your tasty tree—you need to pluck the cherries before they get too ripe or you’ll risk losing your loot to others in the neighborhood. Beautiful and with foliage that’s easy to clean up, you can choose a variety that’s relatively small in order to fit any sized yard.

Consider which fruits you like, the size you have available and the maintenance required when choosing to plant fruit trees. Just like any other type of tree, an annual inspection from a tree specialist is crucial for catching diseases, pests and problems early.

With proper fruit tree care, you should be enjoying the literal fruits of your labor—but any gardener knows that’s not so simple. One of the most common complaints from fruit tree owners is that their trees “look” healthy and vibrant, but they don’t bear fruit or only do so every other year. You planted that apple, cherry or other fruit tree with visions of enjoying your bounty pesticide free. There were some serious yard to table aspirations, so what went wrong?

Most often there’s a lack of “tree vigor,” even if everything seems fine. Your trees are working hard simply to be alive, and actually bearing fruit takes a lot more energy or “vigor” than growing wood. Two of the most common causes of lack of vigor are too much pruning and too much fertilization. If you have an abundance of nitrogen, your tree will grow a lot but you’ll stunt the flower growth.

On Fertile Ground

What’s that? You don’t fertilize your trees? Even fertilizing the ground near the tree can cause fruit bearing issues. Your trees can’t tell whether you mean that nitrogen just for the grass, just for them or for every plant in the area. Keep fertilization at least five feet away from branches, but don’t err too much on the side of caution—too little fertilization can also be a problem. The only way to get the Goldilocks of fertilization is with soil testing and keeping an eye on annual shoot growth (about 15 inches per year is ideal).

If your fertilization is up to snuff, you might have a heavy pruning hand. Remember that over-pruning in the winter can stimulate too much growth, but fruit trees still demand winter pruning. If you “head” too aggressively, that will delay fruiting and flowering—heading cuts are the biggest problem area for home pruners.

Types of Pruning

Every type of fruit-bearing tree has “best practices for pruning.” You need to know where flowers are produced and what type of pruning matches the flower production. Generally speaking, thinning cuts encourage flower production while heading cuts delay the flowering process. Once you’ve researched the best pruning for your type of tree and made sure fertilization is being done properly, the next thing to check out is frost damage.

Fruit tree flowers are vulnerable, especially with spring frosts, and if temperatures dip lower than 29 degrees, fruit formation can be stunted. There’s also the issue of last year’s crop, pollination issues and simply the age of the tree. No wonder fruit tree care is best left to the professionals! If you really want to maximize your bounty, let the experts take care of your trees so you can kick back and enjoy that uber local fruit salad stress-free.

Why not extend your fruit-tree-care abilities to creating a beautiful blossoming twig bouquet for your paramour? Roses are overplayed and other flowers like lilies and carnations might be lovely, but there’s nothing unique about them. If you’re lucky enough to have a flowering fruit tree in your yard—or access to those blossoms—you can really make a statement this year.

Of course, it all depends on the region you live in, what’s in season and just how prone your trees are to blooming. Here’s your cheat sheet to fruit trees and how you can put together a bouquet of blossoming twigs for the record books. As an added bonus, many of these blossoms are wonderfully fragrant (and pair perfectly with a box of chocolates).

1. Apple blossoms

Gorgeous pink blooms are an ideal twig bouquet with oversized, standout blooms that are real showstoppers. If you really want to tie everything together (and tap into the sensuality of Adam and Eve), you can offer these blossoms along with apples dipped in chocolate. Now that’s a romantic gift worth an Instagram shot.

2. Pear blossoms

Similar to cherry blossoms in aesthetics, pear blossoms are often a little brighter, a little more bundled together and grow in abundance if the chill factor allows for it. These smaller blossoms also have similarities to orchids in shape, so if your other half has a penchant for exotic flowers, this is a great choice.

3. Cherry blossoms

A classic, cherry blossoms don’t have a very long branch life, so if you’re lucky enough to get ahold of them, go for it. They’re incredible, the branches are sturdy and they can make for an awe-inspiring display.

4. Plum blossoms

These blossoms are smaller, subtler and can stand alone or be a great filler for a bouquet. Often white or a pale pastel, they can be found in small bunches and are an obvious alternative to baby’s breath.

5. Damson blossoms

If you have this tree in your yard, you’re already ahead of the curve when it comes to ingenuity. Durable white flowers that are understated and classic, they’re a fantastic choice for the significant other who has timeless taste.

You can also consider peach, nectarine or quince blossoms. Why battle the crowds for sorry-looking grocery-store bouquets when you have a plethora of options just a few steps away? Your own blossoming twigs from your own trees show not only that you care about your loved one, but that you care about your fruit trees too!

You might be on top of insect control for your plants and trees (or have a professional taking care of it for you), but keep in mind that not all tree pests are insects or arachnids. In fact, some of them are downright cute—but still wreak havoc on your landscape. It’s crucial to stay on top of insect control, disease control and general pest control. Otherwise, you’re dishing up a veritable love motel and all you can eat buffet to your non-human neighbors.

Let’s start with woodpeckers. They’re found throughout North America and while they might be cute at first glance, they can destroy your trees. Plus, the sound of that constant pecking is enough to drive anyone batty. There are humane ways to drive off woodpeckers, but bear in mind that all those holes they bore are also irresistible homes to a variety of tree insects. It’s a vicious cycle.

Here are a few tree pests you might not be bothered by at first glance. Don’t let their adorability factor fool you. They just might be more dangerous than a bore beetle:

1. Butterflies to be

How much damage can a fat, furry caterpillar really do to a tree? It all depends on the type of caterpillar it is, what it eats and how many there are. The idea of letting your tree “blossom” with butterflies come summer might be romantic, but it takes a lot of energy for caterpillars to make the metamorphosis. You just might be sacrificing your greenery in the process.
 
2. Oh, deer

Have you noticed that your foliage has gone bare—but only up to a certain height? That’s a tell-tale sign of an herbivore mammal who’s developed a taste for your shrubs and trees. It’s exciting to watch a family of deer graze in your yard, until you realize they’re actually stripping your tree down to its unmentionables. Remember that it’s not just harmful to your vegetation to allow deer on your property, but it’s also dangerous for them to be so close to humans.
 
3. Mice

What do you think mice nibble on when they’ve been banned from your kitchen? Wood, house and yellow-necked mice are especially fond of tree greenery. They’ll even nest in your trees, and who likes the idea of mice falling on their heads during a summer picnic?

From squirrels to rabbits, badgers to voles, there’s no shortage of furry creatures who are eager to make your tree their home or restaurant. Make sure you keep a handle on both insect and mammal control if you want to give your tree a fighting chance.