Tree Fruit Newsletter — July 14, 2023
If you have leaf or soil samples to submit to the lab in Orono, you can bring them to the Summer Tour, and I will arrange for their transport to the lab. The website for UMaine soil and tissue testing is: Home – Analytical Lab and Maine Soil Testing Service – University of Maine (umaine.edu)
The latest Summer Tour agenda and directions have been posted. Lunch will be lobster rolls, prime rib, vegetarian baked beans and the usual sides. Thanks to all who RSVP’d. The head
count has been sent to the caterers. If you did not RSVP, you are welcome to attend anyway.
Summer Pruning Peach Trees
Without any fruit to slow down shoot growth, our peach trees have put out too much growth. Excessive shading of the lower shoots leads to their death in winter and subsequent low yield in the lower canopy. It will not reduce vigor of the tree, but will keep the lower canopy from becoming productive. It may delay the onset of winter hardiness in fall, so try to complete it by mid August. Here is a link to an article on Rich Marini’s experience with summer pruning: Correct summer pruning techniques for peach trees stressed – Fruit Growers News. The simplest summer pruning method involves removing the most vigorous shoots from the inside and upper canopy.
Renae Moran
https://extension.umaine.edu/fruit/
University of Maine Cooperative Extension
PO Box 179
Monmouth, ME 04259
(207) 933-2100
rmoran@maine.edu
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