| Deciduous trees thrive in a variety of climates. | | | | written labels is another good idea, in the event |
| They are a hearty lot of trees but proper care is | | | | that labels are lost or damaged due to inclement |
| necessary to see that your deciduous trees | | | | weather conditions. |
| flourish and survive. | | | | Deciduous fruit trees should be pruned annually. |
| Call it being proactive, call it using your | | | | Do so before buds swell. This promotes optimal |
| green-thumb, call it common horticultural | | | | growth and yield. Pruning, although sometimes |
| knowledge. However you choose to see it, | | | | arduous, doesn't need to be a complicated |
| becoming deciduous-tree savvy is needed, and | | | | endeavor. Again, it's a matter of doing a little |
| fairly easy to do. If you are unfamiliar with how | | | | research, become familiar with the trees life cycle. |
| to care for your deciduous trees, read on to build | | | | Three pruning phases are necessary for |
| a knowledge-base to keep your trees healthy and | | | | deciduous fruit trees. The first phase occurs |
| promote longevity. | | | | during the planting phase of the tree. The goal is |
| Many deciduous trees, fruit trees especially, can | | | | to help the tree create a vase-shaped structure. |
| survive in mountain regions-such as the apple tree | | | | Also, when visiting a local nursery, be certain to |
| or cherry tree, for instance. The apple tree | | | | purchase trees with well-developed root |
| requires extra chilling and cooler summer temps, | | | | structures. Even though the upper portion of the |
| so mountain regions offer this weather-bound | | | | tree might catch your eye when shopping for a |
| setting. Many mountain regions, however, suffer | | | | hearty-looking tree, if the root system is weak, |
| from a risk of late frosts. Desert locations are | | | | you may have trouble harvesting deciduous fruit |
| another potential location for deciduous fruit trees. | | | | trees. |
| You rule out late frosts, for the most part | | | | The second pruning phase begins once the first |
| anyway. Yet, mountain or foothill regions are, by | | | | year of growth is complete. Prune back your tree |
| far, a fairer location to plant deciduous trees. | | | | and cut it into scaffolds. This layering of branches |
| When you plant your deciduous trees, choose a | | | | promotes the greatest yield. Create some gaps, |
| location with lots of sunlight and, if possible, | | | | but don't prune back too much. |
| protected from high winds. This will aid protecting | | | | The third phase of pruning occurs once a tree |
| trees during any unfortunate storms that blow | | | | reaches maturity, anywhere from 5-7 years for |
| across the region. | | | | most deciduous trees. Prune the tree for fruit |
| Some deciduous fruit trees require cross-pollination | | | | production during this phase. Pruning, again, needs |
| in order for the fruit tree to germinate and bud. | | | | to be focused on layering, or designing well-spaced |
| Be certain that you find a compatible pollinator. | | | | scaffolding for fruit development and growth. |
| You can do this by using a two-in-one or | | | | For more information on pruning fruit trees, |
| three-in-one grafted tree can be used. See your | | | | contact the UC Cooperative Extension in |
| local nursery for further details. | | | | Bakersfield, California. They have a 47-page |
| Just as taking a proactive mindset to your | | | | journal entitled Pruning Fruit and Nut Trees. You |
| planting is key, it's also a good idea to label | | | | can also contact your local nursery to gain further |
| varieties. If, for instance, a tree dies, you can | | | | information on caring for deciduous trees in your |
| quickly replace it. Having a backup map with | | | | area. |