Dwarf fruit trees usually begin to bear one to three years sooner than standard-size trees. 5 to 6 Tree Health Healthy trees produce good quality fruit. Weak or diseased trees produce little or no fruit or fruit of poor quality. The first step in fruit production is to keep the fruit trees healthy. Two of the main problems involved are insects and diseases.
Typical diseases attacking the leaves and fruit on apple and pear trees are scab fungi.
The fungus which causes brown rot on apricot cherry, peach and plum trees can also attack the blossoms. These materials, if used properly, can be effective against most fruit tree pests. Contact the Cooperative Extension Center for control leaflets for specific fruits. When fruit trees are not sprayed properly or are left untreated, disease and insects may restrict the size and quality of the yield, although the tree itself usually continues to bear fruit. It is also possible to purchase varieties which are resistant to one or more of the common diseases.