Q.Fruit Tree Care
We have peach, plum, apple and pear trees and want to know the proper way to care for each. Pear tree yielded a lot of pears this year and they were very sweet. The apple tree did nothing this year. The plum tree yielded a handful of small, sugar sweet plums and we have problems keeping the squirrels away. The peach tree was FULL of peaches but midway in their growth, they developed a sticky film on them and they were not edible. Please help!
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
How old is the apple tree? It may not be old enough to produce yet. Also, the soil around it may not have enough phosphorus, which is needed for blooming and fruiting. The peach tree sounds like it has a pest infestation, perhaps scale or aphids. They secret a sticky substance called honeydew that can cover leaves and fruit. I would recommend treating the tree with neem oil to take care of the pests. Here is more information:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
Here is more info on peaches:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/peach/peach-tree-care.htm
These articles should help as well: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/pear/growing-pear-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/get-rid-squirrels.htm
