How to Care for Your Fruit Trees in the Winter

1. Rake Up Fallen Leaves

This will remove any pests or insects lingering around your tree.

2. Prune Dormant Tree

Start your prune after all the leaves have fallen.

3. Remove Diseased or Dying Branches

Trim branches that grow straight up or 'root suckers.'

4. Dispose of Unwanted Branches

The most common way to dispose of unwanted branches is woodchip, but you can also use dried up branches for kindling.

5. Reuse Mulch

Putting mulch around fruit trees are a good protector and blanket during the winter.

 

Wood-chipper
This picture was taken in March of 1955. Richard Kimmel is nearing the end of his pruning season and uses the wood-chip method for his unwanted branches on the orchard.