How to Manage Root Rot in Fruit, Nut, and Landscape Trees

Tree roots infected with root rot.

Phytophthora and the fungi Armillaria, Phymatotrichum, and Xylaria can all cause devastating cases of root rot on fruit, nut, and landscape trees along with woody shrubs. Prevention is the best way to manage these diseases. Read on to learn the best ways to avoid these diseases and biocontrol agents and fungicides that may help with Phytophthora root rot.

How to Identify, Prevent and Treat Gummosis on Fruit Trees

Close up of gummosis on an apricot tree trunk.

Is your apricot, peach, plum, cherry, or apple tree oozing a lot of gum? If so, it may be infected with the fungus Leucostoma that causes apricot gummosis and cankers. This fungus only infects stressed trees and enters through wounds, so you may be able to avoid it entirely. Read more about how to prevent this disease and ways to treat it.

How to Grow and Care for Bonsai Fruit Trees

A close up horizontal image of a small apple tree growing as a bonsai set on a wooden surface.

Want a truly stunning bonsai that offers a challenge with an incredibly fulfilling reward? Consider growing a fruit tree species as a bonsai. It takes a little extra work beyond that required by your average bonsai, but the results are absolutely worth it. A miniature tree with full-sized fruit is a sight to behold!

What Are Fruit Tree Guilds? Learn How to Start Your Own

A close up horizontal image of a fruit tree in bloom pictured at sunset on a soft focus background.

Fruit tree guilds involve a technique of planting trees along with supporting species in a way that resembles natural ecosystems. They are an excellent way to create healthier, more productive, and more resilient gardens. Read on to learn about the components of a guild and for information on how to design your own.

How Far Apart Should I Space Fruit Trees?

A close up horizontal image of fruit tree blossoms in a well-planned orchard pictured on a soft focus background.

If you want to start or expand your own orchard, you should pause and do some research on fruit tree spacing first. That’s what this guide is here for! You’ll discover why spacing matters and what the spacing requirements are for commonly grown fruit trees. Learn all about fruit tree spacing in this guide. Read more now.

17 Unusual Fruits and Vegetables for your Backyard Landscape

A close up horizontal image of a variety of different fruits and vegetables freshly harvested from the home garden.

From surprisingly colored garden veggies to unexpectedly adorable berries, from teensy cucumbers to oversized beans, there are a wealth of unique edible plants you can grow in your backyard landscape. Ready to discover 17 unusual – and delicious – fruits and vegetables you can grow at home? Read more now.

How to Prepare Fruit Trees for Winter

A close up horizontal image of an apple tree in the winter with snow on the branches and fruits pictured on a soft focus background.

Protecting fruit trees from harsh winter weather only takes a few minutes, and it’s absolutely worth the effort. Don’t ignore this important step to ensuring healthy growth and production the following season. Read more to learn how to winterize fruit trees in the garden, as well as those planted in containers.

Your Fall Tree Planting Guide

A pair of human hands plants a tree sapling in early fall.

To get insider tips on why fall is the best time to plant trees in your landscape, discover what “fall” actually means, depending on what part of the country you live in, and get expert advice about all the steps involved in planting trees for the maximum chances of success, read more now.

How to Identify and Control Cotton Root Rot in Fruit and Nut Trees

Dead fruit trees killed from cotton root rot (Phymatotrichum omnivorum) in an orchard setting.

Cotton root rot infects more than 2,300 plant species in the southwest, including apples, peaches, almonds, and most other fruit and nut trees. While the disease is usually fatal, there are some steps you can take that might save your tree. Read on at Gardener’s Paths to find what to do if your tree has this disease.

What’s the Difference Between Tree Burr Knots (Burl) and Crown Galls?

Close up of an old tree limb with burrs or burl growth.

Do your shade, nut, or fruit tree limbs and trunks have unsightly growths on them? If so, they are probably burr knots or crown gall. One is due to roots growing on the stems, while the other is a bacterial infection. Prevention is the best bet for these disorders. Learn how to prevent and, in some cases, control them.