Summer is a vital time for fruit tree care. The bright, full sun every day and the heat characteristic of the season can be challenging conditions. Therefore, They need special care during these months to ensure good harvests.
Some of the most important things to do are to ensure optimal irrigation to combat dehydration, effective protection from the scorching sun that can damage the fruit and trunk, and balanced nutrition to promote growth and fruiting.
If you don't take these needs into account, your trees can become weaker and more susceptible to pests., diseases which can seriously compromise the quality and quantity of your summer harvest.
Below, we'll provide some essential summer care to help them bloom and thrive.
Essential care for fruit trees in summer
Let's keep in mind that the summer months are the perfect time to take advantage of the abundance of fresh fruit. With this care, they'll grow strong and healthy.
Proper watering: the key to a perfect summer
Proper irrigation is one of the most important factors to consider. for the satisfactory growth of your fruit trees, and adequate humidity.
During the summer months, trees may need more frequent watering than in other seasons, as evaporation is usually higher.
It is very important to control soil moisture levels. If it is too dry, water the trees thoroughly. and check if the water is absorbed into the soil.
Moisten the soil around the base of the tree to a depth of 3 to 8 cm to ensure adequate hydration.
However, too much water can be bad. So be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot and stunt the tree's growth.
It is best to water early in the morning or late in the afternoon. to avoid direct sunlight, which can cause evaporation.
Something to consider is the irrigation method you use, such as drip irrigation or a low-pressure hose, watering the root zone to ensure proper absorption and reduce water waste.
To determine if the tree has too much or too little water, you should check if the leaves turn yellow, if they become wilted, or if the fruit drops prematurely.
Light pruning
Pruning is an important part of maintaining fruit trees., as it not only helps keep the tree healthy and in proper shape, but can also help promote increased fruit production.
During the summer months, it's essential to check for any uneven growth. Remove branches that are infested with pests or have damaged areas, and prune excessive growth to improve light penetration and air circulation.
Some things to avoid during summer pruning:
- Avoid pruning them if rain is forecast because it can aggravate diseases such as fungal spores that may appear in recent pruning cuts. To do this, wait for the weather to improve.
- Never perform intense pruning in summer, just do it to maintain the defined structure of the trees.
- Pruning in summer stimulates growthIf you do it too late, the tree could suffer winter damage. If you can't prune it in the summer, wait until winter or early spring.
Good sun protection to prevent stress on fruit trees
It is important take extreme care in the strong sun to prevent damage to the skin of the fruit and the bark of the trunk, affecting the quality and overall health of the tree.
A good technique is to paint the trunk and main branches with a non-toxic white paint or lime to reflect sunlight.
Also You can use nets to provide partial shade. to young trees, or place them in areas where the sun is very intense.
Fertilization and nutrients
Fertilization is an important part of fruit tree care., as it can help the tree have all the nutrients it needs to grow strong and produce abundant fruit.
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium during the summer months to help provide the tree with the nutrients it needs to grow.
It is also a good idea to check the soil pH level, since fruit trees tend to like slightly acidic soil.
If the pH level is adequate, you can help by applying a sulfur-based product to lower the pH. Keep in mind, however, that it can take several months for the soil to reach an optimal pH level, so it's best to apply sulfur in spring.
Control of pests and diseases
The warm weather and occasional humid conditions that typically occur in the summer months can make fruit trees more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Regularly inspect trees for signs of infestation, such as aphids, Mites spider, aphids, caterpillars, stains, fungi, among others.
To protect fruit trees from disease, it is important to remove diseased leaves or branches. Disinfect pruning tools between trees to prevent the spread of disease.
Applying a fungicide can also be helpful in preventing the development of diseases such as powdery mildew.
Note that It is very important to prioritize ecological pest control methods, which are non-toxic, such as manual pest removal, or introducing beneficial insects.
Also, use potassium soap or neem oil. Remember that if you inspect the trees and detect the pest early, you can intervene quickly to prevent it from spreading.
Caring for fruit trees can be a very rewarding experience, but it does require some effort to ensure the trees grow strong, healthy, and can produce their best fruit.
Adequate humidity, pruning and maintenance, pest and disease control, and fertilization are essential components of summer fruit tree care. If you follow these tips, they'll grow strong and healthy trees and provide you with their best fruit as a reward.