Dedicated to Tree Preservation in the Urban Forest

· Fruit trees in northern are susceptible to a bacterial disease called fire blight.  This disease favors warm weather accompanied by humidity above 60 percent.  Trees are most susceptible when flowering occurs.  Pruning should be delayed to periods when trees are not in flower.  If your tree is infected a combination of good sanitary practices (pruning out infected parts), and tree spraying can enhance tree survival.  All pruning tools should be disinfected with bleach water mixture at 10 percent  (9 parts water to 1 part bleach) mixed with water at a rate of The best way to address fire blight is choose blight resistance fruit tree species.

 

· If you have fruit bearing trees and shrubs in high traffic areas fruit production can be reduced by as much as 80 percent.  Fruit reduction sprays are economical and help with tracking of unwanted fruit into buildings and homes.

 

· Winter and spring tree watering is very important in northern Colorado.  Trees should have ten gallons of water per inch caliper twice a month.  In addition anti transpiration sprays can be applied to enhance water retention in conifers.  This spray is a polymer that encapsulates the needles it is non-toxic and environmentally friendly.  Keep in mind that lawn irrigation systems do not water trees adequately.  Through the year supplemental water is required for your entire tree and shrub needs.