Peach Tree Problems and Solutions: Pruning, Fertilizer, and Dormant Spray

Question from Michael: My peach trees are about 7 yrs old and I have never trimmed them because I do not know how. I live in Illinois . About 4 yrs ago I had a good yeild of peaches and i canned them. Every year after when I get peaches, they seem to...

Growing Citrus Trees on Drip

Question from Michelle: I have a garden that was planted around February which includes dwarf lime, lemon and mandarine. The irrigation is all drip and our watering schedule is for 8 minutes twice a week. I think I’m overwatering the citrus as...

Citrus and Coffee Trees as Houseplants

Question from Bob: My grapefruit tree never bore fruit (I think there was something about the way commercial grapefruits are produced), but it had tough, firm, deeply green lustrous leaves that gave off the scent of citrus when rubbed, and it grew to...

Sharwil Avocado

Question from Robert: I lived in Hawaii and could buy the amazing “Sharwil” avocado there, on Oahu at the local Manoa farmers market, grown by the vendors cousin on the Big Island. Just the fruit this year. A case or more if there is a nice...

Navel Oranges Splitting Open

Question from Jon: I trust you are enjoying your Sunday and rooting for the Chargers. I noticed today that some (or most) of my naval oranges have split on the bottom. Can you tell me what you think might be causing this? There is some white “fuzz”...

Purchasing a grafted Avocado Tree from Nursery

Question from Alyssa: I am interested in purchasing an avocado tree for my father as well as one for myself.  He lives near the Sacramento region. I am having issues finding the right place to find one that is an A and B already grafted together. I...

Peach Trees

Question from Dan I live in Massachusetts.I recently pruned my two 11year old trees because they were getting way to big. I topped them at about 6 feet. my mother in law fears that I may have ruined them. they have plenty of new growth on them. I read...

Spraying of Peach Trees in Southern California

Question from Stennis: My peaches have brown spots and some worms inside this year; what is the appropriate time for spraying? What kind of schedule do you recommend and with what? Answer from Pat: It is too late to spray fruit at this time of year with...

Corrective Pruning Fruit Trees

Question from Michael: My peach trees are about 7 yrs old and I have never trimmed them because I do not know how. I live in Illinois . About 4 yrs ago I had a good yeild of peaches and i canned them. Every year after when I get peaches, they seem to...

Kiwi Problems

Question from Mary: my kiwi vines, both male and female are exhibiting the same symptom: the leaves in the sun are turning yellow from the middle out, then drying up completely, dying and dropping. At first I thought it might be mildew, given a very...

Strange Apple Tree Experience

Question from Dave: Last year you were very helpful regarding an olive tree concern I had here in Lafayette that ultimately work out fine. This time I am really confused about an unusual apple tree experience. I planted the tree about 30 years ago. Over...

How the Weather Can Make a Barren Peach Tree Bear Fruit

Question from Diana: My peach tree is about 8 years old. It has never had peaches until this year. It rained a lot. I started picking peaches on June 10-July 26. I have no peaches on my tree-just picked the last few. What can I do so that I will have...

My Ruby Red Grapefruit

Question from Elizabeth: I have a beautiful dwarf ruby red grapefruit tree (15) gallon which was purchased yesterday. I noticed on the purchase receipt was stamped: citrus trees have been treated with Admire Pro & Movento. This tree is loaded with...

Newly Purchased Lime Tree

Question from Rachel: I’ve just purchased a Bearss lime tree. It’s supposed to be–eventually–a full sized tree, but right now it stands at about 6 feet. I picked it up yesterday from the nursery, constructed a wire basket for...