fruit trees good to the last leaf

13 years ago

Just a reminder about deciduous fruit trees in low chill areas. They will often hold a few leaves at the tips of the branches. It helps to remove these now. If they stay on, the tree can still try to keep photosynthesis going and it hinders it's dormancy. For trees that get only marginal chill, it can make a significant difference.

After pruning, I just start with a little shake, then bend the branches a bit so I can reach the tips and strip them off.

May your year be fruitful.

Comments (3)

mullenium
13 years ago
I have a Fuji apple tree that still has lots of leaves, should I pull them all off now?
softmentor
Original Author
13 years ago
I think it's a good idea, although with the cold coming through the next day or 2 you could wait another day or 2. If you have a bit of green left, that should set more back. But basically yes, I recomend that you strip them now. My experience with peach, apricot, and apple have been that they both do better with all the leaves striped.
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piranhafem
13 years ago
This is very interesting! My nectarine tree lost all its leaves with no fuss before Christmas, but my little Anna apple tree, which is only about 5 feet tall and has been in the ground a little over a year, still has a lot of green leaves, and I keep wondering why, and telling it, "Go dormant, darnit!". Regardless, I will go ahead and strip them all off. Thanks.

--Maureen