[Arid_gardener] Re:Apricot and Peach Trees

[Olin Miller]

----- Original Message ----- From: <boxergirl107 at yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2006 4:55 PM
> Amber, 85242,  boxergirl107 at yahoo.com
> I seem to keep killing peach trees within 60days of planting. And my
> apricot doesn't look so happy either. I'm watering them every 4 days
> for an hour to 75 mins. I was watering every other day for that long
> and they still weren't happy. What should I be doing?
=======================================

If you planted the trees from bare root stock, it should be done in
January or February.  If planter later when the stock is less expensive
and the roots have dried, the probability of success is much less.
There are may good sites with bare root planting guides that can be
found with simple google/yahoo web searches.

Your comments about watering do not tell us how much water (gallons)
the trees receive.  Are there tree wells with bubblers.  Or do you use a
drip system.  How many emitters?  Emitter rates, etc.  The 2x weekly
schedule sounds okay unless you have extra heavy soil such that the
roots become water logged and start to rot.  The water should penetrate
through the root zone (about 1 foot) for new trees) as measured with a
steel rod (No. 3 rebar (3/8 th inch) works pretty well ), then allowed
to nearly dry out before repeat watering.

Fertilizer is not necessary the first year.  The information in the
article, "Watering Newly Planted Trees"
at http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/4DMG/Trees/watering.htm
also applies to tree in our AZ desert soil.

"The opinions or statements expressed herein are my own and should not
be taken as a position, opinion, or endorsement of the Maricopa Master
Gardener Association or of the University of Arizona."

Olin Miller
Master Gardener Volunteer, Maricopa County AZ