07-13-2023, 11:08 PM
(This post was last modified: 07-14-2023, 09:57 AM by Steven B in PV.)
Sara, free backyard fruit sounds like a great idea but I would discourage anyone from planting fruit trees unless they are willing to use effective insect deterrents and regularly prune the trees just as a commercial fruitgrower would. Apples attract the Codling moth, the principle worldwide pest which produces the apple worm. To prevent the worms the trees must be be sprayed on a strict two-week schedule.
The Western Cherry Fruit Fly infests cherries throughout CO and beyond. They also produce worms which ruin the fruit, and must be controlled by intensive integrative pest management. Nursery stock often carry the larvae of these pests at the point of sale. Also, late spring frosts common along the Front Range typically kill the fruiting buds in 4 out of 5 years.
Here, fruit trees will be a magnet for bears, coyotes, and more. Buying apples and cherries from Colorado producers at the farmers markets might be a better, easier option. As for the family gift, a selection of native berry producing shrubs and perennial native flowers that attract hummingbirds could be very rewarding. I'd be happy to offer suggestions.
For more than 30 years, I grew apples and other orchard fruits for the commercial market from our Palisade farm.
Steve
The Western Cherry Fruit Fly infests cherries throughout CO and beyond. They also produce worms which ruin the fruit, and must be controlled by intensive integrative pest management. Nursery stock often carry the larvae of these pests at the point of sale. Also, late spring frosts common along the Front Range typically kill the fruiting buds in 4 out of 5 years.
Here, fruit trees will be a magnet for bears, coyotes, and more. Buying apples and cherries from Colorado producers at the farmers markets might be a better, easier option. As for the family gift, a selection of native berry producing shrubs and perennial native flowers that attract hummingbirds could be very rewarding. I'd be happy to offer suggestions.
For more than 30 years, I grew apples and other orchard fruits for the commercial market from our Palisade farm.
Steve