Autumn care of fruit trees: what should be done?
Autumn care of fruit trees
In autumn fruit trees enter dormancy, but proper care at this time supports their health and next year's harvest.
1. Collect leftover fruit and leaves
Remove remaining fruit, especially rotten or damaged fruit. Collect and dispose of fallen leaves to reduce the spread of diseases and pests.
2. Pruning
Remove dry, broken or diseased shoots. Avoid major formative pruning in autumn, as it is better done in spring.
3. Fertilising
Use autumn fertilisers without nitrogen. Choose potassium and phosphorus, which help trees strengthen before winter and prepare for next year's flowering.
4. Soil care
Loosen the soil around the roots and mulch with compost, peat or well-rotted manure. Mulch retains moisture and protects the roots from frost.
5. Protect the trunks
Protect young trees from rodents with trunk guards or spruce branches. Whitewashing with a lime mixture also protects against temperature changes and pests.
6. Watering
At the end of autumn, especially after a dry period, water thoroughly. This helps trees overwinter more easily.
7. Protect against frost
Cover the roots of frost-sensitive trees with a thick layer of mulch or spruce branches, and wrap young trunks with fabric or a frost guard.
Summary
Autumn care is an investment in next year's harvest. Healthy, well-fed and protected trees are better able to withstand disease and frost.