As. With neglected deciduous fruit trees, it’s always a judgment call if they’re salvageable or not. The overall health of the tree is critical to your final decision. Trees under stress have dead, twisted, or gnarly branches with sections of the canopy that doesn’t break dormancy in the spring. You’ll also find that the bark is peeling and there are numerous sap globules present along the trunk and main branches. I’d replace all the trees with these characteristics; however, your tree sounds like it’s in good condition. Peaches and Nectarine produce fruit only on the second year wood. Once the scaffolding and other supporting branches have been established, you should remove fifty percent of the growth each year. I’d eliminate all the dead wood, the rubbing and crossing branches, and then cut the long branches in half or more to open up the center of the tree and shape the canopy. With neglected fruit trees, you sacrifice fruit production in order to get the trees back in shape. All deciduous fruit trees are fed with16-16 16 after pruning to encourage the new growth and again in May/June. I’d apply a half-pound of fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter measured two feet off the ground. The fertilizer is evenly spread around the drip line, not piled at the base of the tree. Also, don’t be afraid to do some selective pruning during the summer months. And finally, nectarines don’t require frequent watering. You should have a six-inch high water basin that extends from the trunk to the drip line. After the rainy season concludes, I’d fill this basin up several times once every two to three weeks. Excessive summer watering is a primary reason for the decline of nectarine, cherry, plum, peach and apricot trees.
Q. A few years back I planted some Vinca Major on my hillside. During the summer, I had it removed and re-landscaped the area. It’s now starting to reappear. I know if I do not do something it will invade all the new plants and I am back to square one. Any advice you can give me on killing the roots without hurting my new planting.
A. Unfortunately, you’re at square one, minus one. There are no selective herbicides that will kill the Vinca but not harm the desirable plants. So you will have to be very careful around the plants with whatever herbicide you use. This is a task that will begin in earnest come March. I’d probably use Round Up and protect the new plants with a movable cardboard plant shield. Round Up is absorbed by the leaves and is ineffective when sprayed on bare ground.
You will be making many repeat applications, as it is a war of attrition.
Buzz Bertolero is Executive Vice President of Navlet’s Garden Centers and a California Certified Nursery Professional. His web address is www.dirtgardener.com and you can send questions by email at dirtgarden@aol.com or to 360 Civic Drive Ste. ‘D’, Pleasant Hill, Calif. 94523