Fruit Tree Care Calendar
January
Weeding. Mulching, Watering as needed.
Check irrigation emitters are all working
Summer pruning of Apricots after fruiting. Monitor Pear & Cherry slug: If damage is excessive, apply approved control methods.
February
Weeding. Mulching, Watering as needed.
Check irrigation emitters are all working
Prune Hawthorn after fruiting
Budding Day this month
March
Weeding. Mulching, Watering as needed.
Check irrigation emitters are all working
Fertilising of trees after fruiting.
Main harvest period: Document each variety’s ripening date.
April
Weeding. Mulching, Watering as needed.
Check irrigation emitters are all working
Apricot pruning.
May
Weeding. Mulching, Watering as needed.
Check irrigation emitters are all working
Whitewash trunks, collect mummified & fallen fruits and remove dead wood as part of orchard hygiene program.
June
Weeding. Mulching, Watering as needed.
Check irrigation emitters are all working
Start dormant pruning at each tree’s leaf-fall. Apply soil conditioner. Finish off white washing trunks.
Apply first round of copper spray or alkaline spray (alternate years) to stone fruit.
July
Weeding. Mulching, Watering as needed.
Check irrigation emitters are all working
Weeding. Mulching.
Continue Pruning Program including Winter prune of Hawthorn hedge.
Grafting Day this month.
August
Weeding. Mulching, Watering as needed.
Check irrigation emitters are all working
Tool maintenance. Irrigation flush, maintenance & expansion.
Apply second round of copper or alkaline spray to stone fruit just before budburst.
Additional grafting as needed.
September
Weeding. Mulching, Watering as needed.
Check irrigation emitters are all working
Spring fertilising program.
Codling moth prevention program.
Begin Pear & Cherry slug monitoring.
October
Weeding. Mulching, Watering as needed.
Check irrigation emitters are all working
Fertilising after fruit-set. Tree-training after fruit-set.
November
Weeding. Mulching, Watering as needed.
Check irrigation emitters are all working
Fruit thinning. Pest monitoring (and control if needed).
Main mulching time before summer heat.
Early Harvesting. Netting as needed
December
Weeding. Mulching, Watering as needed.
Check irrigation emitters are all working
Sucker removal, light feed,