How to Manage Pests

First-year pruning for pome fruit

Generally, apples and pears are cut back to 24 to 32 inches above the graft union after planting. In apples, trees may be headed back higher if they are to be ornamental as well as fruiting trees. However, fruit-bearing wood will be higher up in the tree, making harvesting and pest control operations more difficult. Heading newly planted trees at green tip often gives more and better angled limbs from which the scaffolds are chosen. If wide-angled branches are well placed, cut them back to stubs, leaving one or two buds. Remove obvious crossing limbs and suckers. Whitewash or paint with diluted interior water-based paint to protect from sunburn and reduce borer damage. Avoid water stress, especially in the first 2 years of development.