Dying fruit tree

Question

I have all kinds of fruit trees planted in my backyard that are in good shape except for one area where whatever tree I plant in it the tree will survive for a year only. I was told by a friend that mole crickets might have their nest in the same area in the ground and that’s why nothing survives there. Could that be true? And if it is, how can I get rid of these pests?

Answer 1

Mole crickets more commonly feed on herbaceous plants such as grass and vegetables, not trees. Unless your trees are planted from seed or as very small seedlings I would expect the culprit is something else. Here is more about mole crickets:

http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/orn/turf/pest_mole_crickets.htm

More likely, there is either a problem with the soil or a fruit tree disease that has remained in the soil from a previously infected tree. To rule out soil problems, get a soil test:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm

See this article to learn about tree diseases that can persist in the soil and what to do about them:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/planting-in-old-spaces.htm