HOW SHOULD I CARE FOR FRUIT TREE IN THE WINTER SEASON?

We need fruit trees just as we include plants for visual purposes in our garden. Eating or picking fruit from the branch in spring and summer is a very good activity for many people. It is possible for us to care for our garden, whether for agricultural purposes or not, and to increase product quality and yield.

Maintenance to increase the yield of fruit trees is usually done in the winter season. In this article, we will give information about pruning techniques, spraying techniques and mulching for fruit trees.

Winter pruning of fruit trees

In shape pruning; It is aimed to ensure that the tree receives sunlight and air, to maintain the balance of the tree, and to get rid of unproductive branches. The shape of the fruit trees varies according to the type and growing environment.

Crop pruning; It is done in order to increase the fruit by ensuring the balanced growth of the tree. In other words, firstly, the branches with more fruit buds are preserved and the less ones are pruned and harvested from the productive branches at harvest time. This type of pruning is not recommended for fruit trees every year. The pruning interval varies according to the type of tree. Pruning is done every 2-3 years in plum, almond, apricot, cherry, sour cherry, apple and pear trees. On the walnut tree, it is done every 7-8 years.

Rejuvenation pruning; It is a pruning method made on aging, drying, broken or losing productivity branches. After this pruning, stronger shoots develop from the trees and the crown is formed. After this pruning, other branches can be shortened.

Winter spraying of fruit trees

Pests on fruit trees generally stay on the trunk, branches and shoots of the tree in winter. With the warming of the weather and the awakening of the plant, these pests leave their hosts and begin to damage the tree. Bark lice on fruit trees, brown spiders, aphids, worms, etc. If pests are present on the trees, spraying should be done in the winter period. Winter spraying is important in order to prevent damage to the tree in the spring and not to reduce the crop.

Although the purpose is to protect our trees and crops, the drugs used can also cause the death of beneficial creatures. For this reason, winter spraying should not be done every year. It is recommended to apply spraying once in 3-4 years during the period when we see that the pests are staying on the tree. Winter spraying may coincide with the egg and adult period of the pests. It is easier to get rid of pests by intervening while they are in egg form.

Medicines used in winter spraying;

The drugs that are described as winter oil; petroleum oil + DNOC (Winterwash, Hektewash) is used in appropriate doses. A mixture of 5 liters of pesticide can be prepared per 100 liters of water for soft-core trees, and 4.5 liters of drug mixture for 10 liters of water for hard-core trees.

Winter spraying time;

The spraying time in the winter period also varies according to the type of fruit tree and growing environment. The general spraying period is to be done before the tree wakes up in winter and before budding starts. You can adjust the spraying time according to the budding period of the region you live in. Generally; Spraying should be done 2 weeks before buds awaken in soft-core trees and 4 weeks before buds awaken in hard-core trees. If the winter spraying is delayed, the desired yield cannot be obtained. The drug may also damage the tree and show a caustic effect.

Winter spraying such as general spraying time; It should be done on days without wind, without precipitation and when the air temperature is above 5 degrees. During and after spraying, you should keep your food and animals away from that area, if any. Because the harmful effect of spraying can also threaten animal and human health. Masks, gloves, goggles, etc. during spraying. Be sure to use protective equipment.

Winter mulching;

Mulching application; It is done in order to rehabilitate unproductive and bad lands. In the winter period, fruit trees can be mulched. However, this is not a requirement. If the soil where your fruit trees are located is infertile or if frosts occur frequently in your area, you may prefer mulching. Mulching in winter; It can be done in order to protect the plant from extreme cold and frost events of fruit trees. Thanks to mulching, the soil and plant roots are protected from the cold. Mulches that cover the soil and plant roots can be natural or artificial. Natural mulches are preferred because they aerate the soil and form humus. Artificial mulches are nylon covers, they are not air and water permeable and should be changed every 3-4 years. Therefore, natural mulching should be preferred.

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