Late Winter - Time for Pruning Fruit Trees and Small Fruits

In Missouri, February through mid-March is the time to prune your fruit trees and small fruits.  Woody plants are still in the dormant stage at this time. Annual pruning is very important for a productive fruit crop. You should prune to develop a strong framework, and allow for good light penetration and air circulation which is important to minimize disease. Prune out any dead, diseased or broken branches and any branches that are crossing or rubbing against one another.

March is the time to spray dormant oil on fruit trees such as apples, plums, peaches and cherries, to smother any overwintering insects. You can find it at local garden centers. Spray on a calm day when temperatures are above 40 degrees F, and cover all sides of the branches. Be sure to follow the label instructions for proper usage and plants. We have had a lot of rain the past three years and with that a lot of disease problems. Peach leaf curl has been a problem in home fruit plantings, so if you have experienced this problem, I recommend that you spray your peach trees with a labeled fungicide before the buds swell to protect them from getting it again this year. If you need information on how to prune certain tree fruits or small fruits such as blueberry plants, grapevines, or blackberries and raspberries, you can email me or give me a call. Be sure to give me your mailing address and I will send you information in the mail.