5 Mistakes To Avoid When Growing Fruit Trees

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Fruit Trees

Fruit trees can be a rewarding addition to any garden, but if you’re a beginner, it’s easy to make mistakes that can set you back years in your fruit-growing journey. Today, we’re busting some common myths and sharing the five biggest mistakes beginners make when growing fruit trees. Avoid these pitfalls, and you’ll be well on your way to a thriving orchard!

Mistake #1: Buying Trees from Unreliable Sources

One of beginner gardeners' biggest mistakes is purchasing fruit trees from unreliable sources. You might be tempted to save a few bucks by ordering trees from random sellers on platforms like eBay or buying from big-box stores like Lowe's or Home Depot. However, this approach can backfire in unexpected ways.

Myth to Bust: "All fruit trees are the same, so it doesn’t matter where I buy them."

Reality Check: Buying from unreliable sources often leads to receiving the wrong variety or unhealthy trees. As James Prigioni found out the hard way, he wanted apricot trees but received Santa Rosa plums instead, which took four years to discover. By then, he had invested time and resources into the wrong trees.

What You Should Do:

• Buy from Reputable Nurseries: Purchase trees from trusted nurseries that provide the correct, healthy varieties. James recommends places like Raintree Nursery, where he successfully sourced disease-resistant, bare-root trees.
• Avoid Bargain Buys: Don't be swayed by lower prices. Quality trees from reliable nurseries save you time and trouble in the long run.

Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Varieties

Another common mistake is choosing fruit tree varieties unsuited to your local climate or conditions. James learned this lesson when he planted many trees from a big-box store, only to see most of them die or perform poorly.

Myth to Bust: "Any fruit tree will thrive if planted with enough care and attention."

Reality Check: Not all fruit trees are created equal. Some varieties are much more susceptible to pests and diseases, especially if they are not native to your area. For example, apples are notorious for being challenging to grow due to their susceptibility to diseases and pests.

What You Should Do:

• Select Disease-Resistant Varieties: Look for varieties like the Liberty Apple, Williams Pride Apple, or Belmac Apple, known for their natural resistance to common pests and diseases.
• Choose Bare-Root Trees: Bare-root trees often establish themselves better in the soil, leading to healthier, more productive trees.

Mistake #3: Letting Trees Grow Too Naturally

Many new gardeners believe they should let their trees grow “naturally” without interference. James points out that this hands-off approach can lead to a tangled, unproductive mess.

Myth to Bust: "Fruit trees should grow naturally without pruning."

Reality Check: Fruit trees need regular pruning to ensure healthy growth and optimal fruit production. In the wild, trees compete for light, water, and nutrients, often leading to overcrowded branches and poor fruit quality.

What You Should Do:

• Prune Correctly for Each Tree Type: Different fruit trees require different pruning techniques. Apple and pear trees benefit from a "central leader" form, where a single main stem is maintained. Stone fruits like peaches and plums prefer an "open center" form, which allows more sunlight and airflow.
• Prune in Dormancy: Always prune in winter when the trees are dormant. Remove water shoots in early spring by rubbing them off when small to prevent them from becoming a problem later.

Mistake #4: Not Thinning Fruit

It’s easy to get excited when your trees are loaded with small, developing fruit. However, failing to thin the fruit can lead to disappointing results.

Myth to Bust: "More fruit on the tree means a bigger harvest."

Reality Check: Trees naturally produce more fruit than they can support. When the tree spreads its resources too thin without thinning, the fruit is smaller and less flavorful. Worse, the excess weight can cause branches to break or even drop all the fruit prematurely.

What You Should Do:

• Thin Early and Often: Thin young fruit when small and green, especially before the pits harden. Aim for about 4-6 inches between each fruit. This spacing ensures better airflow and light penetration and reduces the spread of disease.
• Avoid Garden Greed: Understand that fewer but larger and healthier fruits are more valuable than a tree overloaded with tiny, low-quality fruits.

Mistake #5: Poor Pest Management Practices

Many beginners underestimate the importance of pest management, thinking that fruit trees don’t need as much attention as other plants. However, pests can quickly destroy your hard-earned fruit.

Myth to Bust: "Fruit trees are low-maintenance and don’t need much pest control."

Reality Check: Fruit trees, especially in humid or wet climates, are magnets for pests like the plum curculio, which can devastate your fruit crop if left unchecked. James learned this the hard way by neglecting to remove fallen, pest-infested fruit, inadvertently creating a breeding ground for more pests.

What You Should Do:

• Remove Fallen Fruit Promptly: Always remove any fallen or rotting fruit to prevent pests from completing their life cycle.
• Use Natural Pest Deterrents: Apply organic pest control sprays, such as kaolin clay (Surround), which creates a protective barrier on the fruit that deters pests without harming beneficial insects.
• Target Specific Pests: For instance, using natural sulfur sprays at the right time can prevent diseases like brown rot.

Conclusion: Master the Basics for Better Harvests

By avoiding these five common mistakes, you set yourself up for success in fruit gardening. Remember, fruit trees require a bit more attention than other plants, but with the right strategies, you can enjoy bountiful harvests of delicious, organic fruit right from your garden.

Start with quality trees from reputable sources, choose the right varieties for your area, prune correctly, thin your fruit, and maintain diligent pest management. With these steps, you’ll turn your fruit-growing dreams into reality.

That’s it for today, growers! By understanding and avoiding these beginner mistakes, you’ll ensure your fruit trees are healthy, productive, and rewarding for years to come. If you enjoyed this guide, be sure to subscribe for more gardening tips, and remember to share this with your friends. Happy growing!

- James Prigioni