Reviving Fruit Trees

Reviving fruit trees is something that anyone who has a fruit tree in their garden should know how to do. It seems like, no matter what we try, there will be those difficult times when our fruit trees struggle. This is when knowing how to properly revive your fruit trees can be a huge help, and in fact a necessity. That is if you want to avoid paying an arm and a leg to your local tree doctor, or you want to avoid cutting the tree down. Here are a few simple guidelines that you can follow to ensure that you have done everything possible to revive your fruit tree.

• Below ground pruning. There are times when the root of the problem actually lies with the roots. If your fruit tree is already suffering, then it won't hurt to check the roots. This will involve carefully digging around the roots of the tree and checking the roots. If you find any "root balls." Often this is something that you will see in trees, or plants that are planted in a container that is too small. Prune away some of the roots, and transfer the tree to either a larger container, or plant the tree directly into the ground.
• Above ground pruning. Keep an eye out for any diseased, dying, or dead branches. If you spot any go ahead and prune those as you normally would. This will keep any disease from spreading into the rest of the tree, while also allowing the nutrients and water to go to the still living and healthy parts of the tree. Simply redirecting the resources that the tree consumes can go a long way to reviving your fruit tree.
• Check the soil. There are times when your soil may not be providing enough nutrients to support the tree. Take a sample of your soil to the local county extension office to test. The results will tell you if your soil is going to work for your tree or not. If your soil's pH balance is out of whack, this test will let you know. Take the results with you to your local nursery, and get some expert "hands-on" advice to fix the problem.
• Watering. Be sure that you are watering your tree properly. Most often, a fruit tree will need to be watered around once a week for a healthy life. Any more than that and you run the risk of overwatering and killing your plant (not to mention the higher water bill), any less than that and you run the risk of dehydrating your tree. Know the proper watering schedule for your tree and adhere to it.
• Protect your tree from animals. Even the local animals will often like a fruity snack once in a while, and as a result they can damage your fruit tree. Be sure that you are taking steps to protect your tree from some of these animals. Wrap the base of your tree trunk with either some tree wrapping material, or even some chicken fencing. These will help protect your tree from animals such as deer, rabbits and raccoons from getting into your fruit.