- Author: Chris M. Webb
We receive many questions this time of year related to pruning deciduous fruit trees. The optimum time of year to prune fruit trees is the dormant season --December, January (best) and until the middle of February, but note summer schedule for apricots.
UC’s Home Orchard publication is a great resource for these questions. The instructions include easy to follow instructions, and good illustrations. A glossary of pruning terms is included in the sites pdf attachments.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Today Ventura County Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor, Ben Faber shares some of his knowledge of citrus with us.
The only treatment that should be done rapidly after a freeze is whitewashing. Often the most severe damage following a freeze results from sunburn of exposed twigs and branches after defoliation. Temperatures do not have to be extremely high to cause sunburn. A white latex paint that has been diluted with water so that it can be sprayed is the easiest way to whitewash. The whitewash needs to be white on the tree, so don’t add too much water.
Pruning should be carried out to prevent secondary pathogens and wood decay organisms from slowing tree recovery. Again, however, there should be no rush to prune. Premature pruning, at the very least, may have to be repeated and, at the worst, it can slow tree rehabilitation. It should be remembered that when pruning, all cuts should be made into living wood. Try to cut flush with existing branches at crotches. Do not leave branchstubs or uneven surfaces. Tools should be disinfected in bleach or other fungicide before moving on to the next tree.
Irrigate carefully! Remember that when leaves are lost, obviously evaporation from leaves is greatly reduced, and, therefore the amount of water required is also greatly reduced. A frost-damaged tree will use the same amount of water as a much younger or smaller tree. Over irrigation will not result in rapid recovery. Instead, it may induce root damage and encourage growth of root rotting organisms. Irrigation should be less frequent, and smaller amounts of water should be applied until trees have regained their normal foliage development.
Fertilization of freeze-damaged trees should be carefully considered. There is no evidence to indicate that frozen trees respond to any special fertilizer that is supposed to stimulate growth. If trees are severely injured-with large limbs or even parts of the trunk killed-nitrogen fertilizer applications should be greatly reduced, until the structure and balance of the tree become re-established.
Trees should be watched for evidence of deficiencies of minor elements. Deficiencies of zinc, manganese, copper, and iron are most likely to develop. For citrus, these materials should be applied as sprays, and they should be used as often as symptoms are observed. Two or more applications may be required the first year.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Winter is the dormant period for deciduous fruit trees. It is a perfect time for caring for the trees. Proper care now increases the likelihood for better fruit and fewer problems through spring and summer. Main tasks for this time are: pruning, sanitation, and pest & disease control.
The University of California division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) has a free downloadable document “Winter Pest Management in Backyard Deciduous Fruit Trees" to help you plan and complete these tasks.
As an added bonus, the instructions contain many links to related information!
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Topics in Subtropics is a quarterly newsletter – a combined effort of UC Cooperative Extension Farm Advisors (including Ventura County’s Dr. Ben Faber) throughout the state. It emphasizes issues, research and solutions of citrus and avocado, but will also discuss the minor subtropical species grown in our state.
The most recent volume contains the following articles:
- 'Valentine,' A Recently Released Anthocyanin-pigmented Pummelo Hybrid Developed at the University of California Riverside
- The University of California-Riverside Citrus Variety Collection and Citrus Clonal Protection Program Websites Provide Information, Photographs, Fruid Quality Data and More
- Water Infiltration Problems
- Attention San Joaquin Valley Citrus Growers: What Do You Plan to Do If It Comes For You?
You may subscribe for an online subscription to this and our other newsletters on our office website. Back issues from 2003 forward can also be viewed at the site.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Falling trees, or even a single fallen limb, can cause property damage, personal injury, and even death. These types of problems can happen at any time, but are more likely to happen during or right after a storm.
It is wise to take the time to evaluate trees on your property. The University of California has a publication, “Inspect Your Landscape Trees for Hazards”. It is available for free online in English and Spanish. The publication points out specific signs that may indicate that trees, or pieces of them, are at risk for falling. All evaluations are done from the ground.
As we head into our region’s stormy time of year, it is a good time to evaluate your trees for safety. You might want to share this information with your neighbors too!
Broken branch recently examined by Ventura County UCCE Environmental Horticulture Advisor, Jim Downer