Sanitation is a necessary management tool in all home orchards because of the long life of trees. Perennial weeds, nematodes, and certain disease pathogens are difficult to control after trees become established. Prevent the introduction or spread of infestations by removing infected limbs and fruit. Disinfect cutting tools periodically during pruning and at any time that they come into direct contact with diseased tissue. Clean equipment used in other areas to avoid introducing pathogens, nematodes, or weeds.
Sanitation Tips
- Remove diseased wood as soon as it becomes evident. Dispose of the prunings immediately to prevent them from becoming a source of new infections.
- Remove stumps, brush piles, and debris. Brush, thinnings, and other debris can harbor diseases as well as vertebrates and insects. Removing stumps may prevent population buildups of wood-boring insect pests.
- Remove diseased shoots, leaves, and fruit on trees and on the ground.
- Remove roosting, nesting, or resting areas that may attract large numbers of crop-destroying birds.
- Keep the tree crown area free of weeds to reduce crown rot infections.
- Spot-treat perennial weeds to prevent their spread.
The pesticide information on this page may become out of date as products and active ingredients change or become unavailable. Some of the pesticides listed are only available for use by licensed pesticide applicators. No endorsements of named products are intended, nor is criticism implied of products not mentioned.
