Fruit Trees Not Producing Fruit

We have many fruit trees in our yard, but do not receive much, if any, fruit from them. We are in a constant battle with "leaf curl" that attacks our plum, peach, apricot, and others in that family of tree. Before we had the problem with leaf curl, we had wonderful harvests with those trees. Sadly, nothing for the past 7 years or so.

The book at the hardware store suggested we spray something on the trees, which we did last fall, and then again this spring. It was to no avail, the leaf curl returned and we still received no harvest. Short of hiring a professional to come to our house and get our trees back on their feet, we don't know what to do.

Can someone please advise us as to what and when and how to take care of this problem?

Hardiness Zone: 9a

Karri from Santa Maria, CA

Answers:

Fruit Trees Not Producing Fruit

Most counties in the united states have an Extension office. Go to the courthouse in your county and ask. They are there to help with agricultural problems, especially small farmers and folks new to agriculture, even the back yard kind. If you are into organic it may be a problem as most government offices, at least here in Missouri, seem to be stuck in the chemical ages. If they can't help you may have to resort to professional help. In the long run it may be cheaper than losing the trees (if you want to replace them). (11/21/2006)

By Carla

Fruit Trees Not Producing Fruit

The cooperative extension office is a very good idea. But I would add that all trees need compost, and lots of it. We put ours in a ring around the tree about a foot deep and a foot or more wide. Don't put it up against the trunk, because little rodents can get in there and eat the bark off the tree and kill it. Make the compost out of any available autumn leaves, grass clippings, manure, and most food scraps. Ask the cooperative extension for directions on how to do it. It's not complex, and it's good exercise. Good luck. (11/22/2006)

By Coreen Hart

Fruit Trees Not Producing Fruit

I spray our fruit trees with malathion, get a pint bottle, mix as directed, start spraying as soon as you see the blooms are fixing to open, spray every week till a week before you gather the fruit. It will spray several trees, you need to also put fertilizer around each tree. I use 10-10-10-fertilizer for all fruit trees, vines, and garden. More info is online, good luck. (03/01/2009)

By k w