Since they provide both delicious food and aesthetic appeal, fruit trees should always receive the highest quality of tree care. The best techniques aren’t always universal; trees in different climates and terrains have their own needs. If you’re caring for trees in Nebraska, you need some basic knowledge about how to help them face challenges specific to the area. 

What to Know About Fruit Tree Care

Are there particular fruit trees that grow best in Nebraska? 

Throughout the state, apple trees generally thrive, especially the gala, liberty, Fuji, and honeycrisp varieties. European plums and tart cherries also tend to do well.

With proper tree care, Bartlett and Asian pears should be able to flourish. If apple and plum trees are what you want, plant two of each type so that they can cross-pollinate.  

Where should they be planted? 

The northwest, northeast, and central areas of the state offer the ideal combination of rainfall, humidity, wind, sunlight, and soil quality for fruit trees. Wherever you are in Nebraska, aim to plant the trees on high ground for better water drainage and to prevent frost damage in winter.

Make sure there’s as much open sunlight as possible, as the fruits may not grow well in shaded areas. Also, prioritize soil with a pH between 5.6 and 7.0. If the area has poor rainfall, install an irrigation system and apply fertilizer every few weeks throughout the spring and summer. 

How do you trim and prune the trees? 

Healthy fruit trees can produce heavy loads, so you must keep up with tree trimming and pruning. A treat care expert uses shears to cut the top off the tree when it’s about three feet tall and to get rid of all branches and sprouts except for four that are evenly spaced apart. Have them continue to trim new growth regularly every winter when the tree is dormant.  

How can diseases be prevented? 

In Nebraska, fungi can cause several diseases in fruit trees. These include fire blight, scabs, and various types of rust. The trees are also vulnerable to insect infestations. 

For thorough tree care, practice regular fungus, weed, and insect control. Specifically, remove weeds frequently and apply horticultural oil, copper spray, or another safe insecticide early in the spring and after harvest. Have any dead or decaying branches pruned or trimmed immediately to stop diseases from spreading. 

To get some professional assistance with tree care in Nebraska, contact Eden Lawn Care & Tree Service. Based in Lincoln, their certified arborists are unparalleled experts in tree and lawn maintenance. They can expertly help your fruit trees provide an endless source of delicious homegrown food. Their team provide stump grinding services so that you can make room for more fruit trees. For details, call them today at (402) 488-3177 or message them online.