- 1). Train your young fruit tree to a proper shape for strength and high fruit production. There are different training methods you can choose, including the "central leader" system.
To develop a central leader, which gives your plant a Christmas-tree shape, put your fruit tree in the ground in early winter and stake it to help it grow upright. In the spring before buds sprout, chop off the top of your tree 30 inches above the ground. In the summer when new branches reach four inches, choose an upright one in the center to be the leader. Trim off lateral branches four inches below it. Cut off the top of the tree four inches above the central leader. In late winter of the following year, prune the top of the tree two feet above the leader. - 2). Prune your fruit tree either in the winter or summer. Each season's pruning produces a different effect. When you trim it in the winter, your tree will produce more branches and leaves and fewer fruit. Summer pruning has the opposite effect: your tree won't grow as much, but it will direct its energy towards making fruit.
To prune in the winter, do it as late as possible in the season since young trees are prone to winter injury. Cut only dead growth and damaged or diseased branches.
Prune in the summer to thin new growth. Leave old branches alone this time of the year. You can begin to trim the buds as soon as they appear but stop all cutting by the end of July end to give your tree time to harden for the winter. - 3). Fertilize and water your young tree. When new growth begins in the spring, apply one ounce of pure nitrogen around the base of the tree in a 12-inch diameter. Water the tree thoroughly immediately after fertilizing it. Continue to give your fruit tree five gallons of water once a week during the growing season. Some or all of it can be from rainfall.
- 4). Control weeds and pests. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your fruit tree to reduce weeds. Pull new sprouts by hand and discard them in the trash to keep the seeds from propagating.
In addition, all newly planted fruit trees are susceptible to leaf-eating insects as well as fruit damage by other pests. As soon as you notice trouble, contact a local nursery or extension office for help solving the problem. The solution will depend on the type of pest that's attacking your tree.
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