As we're approaching the end of the season for pruning dormant deciduous fruit trees, and also purchasing, planting, and training new bare root fruit trees, it's a good time to talk about some of the sources of information that will help you be a successful orchardist. For new fruit trees, selecting a suitable planting location is your first task, along with a decision on the eventual size of the tree. For existing trees, proper pruning will be directed at creating a sound branch structure and also making pruning cuts that encourage dependable fruit development.
The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources has a number of free publications directed at helping the Home Orchardist. Fruit Trees: Training and Pruning Deciduous Trees, Publication 8057 https://homeorchard.ucanr.edu/8057.pdf discusses and illustrates training and pruning newly planted trees as well as established trees. Numerous other publications on fruit tree care for the home gardener can be found at https://homeorchard.ucanr.edu/links/#care.
If you are still considering planting some fruit trees this winter, some bare root fruit trees can still be found at local nurseries. Another source of bare root trees is the Winters Friends of the Library 2024 Fruit Tree Sale on Saturday, March 2nd . For more information on this sale go to https://wfol.org/2024/02/2024-fruit-tree-sale/. In addition to having a wide variety of fruit trees at bargain prices, UCCE Master Gardeners of Yolo County will be available to talk about planting and pruning your new trees.
Happy orcharding!