New Zealand Fruit Tree Care Calendar

(Timing may vary slightly depending on local weather, variety, and soil conditions.)

Winter (June – August): Rest and Structure

Focus: Pruning, spraying, and soil preparation.

• Prune deciduous trees such as apples, pears, plums, peaches, and nectarines.
  • Remove dead or diseased wood.
  • Shape trees to open up the centre for airflow and sunlight.
• Apply dormant sprays (lime sulphur or copper) to control overwintering pests and fungal spores.
• Clean up fallen leaves and fruit to reduce disease carry-over.
• Add compost or organic mulch to feed soil microbes before spring growth.
• Sharpen tools and check tree ties and stakes.

Early Spring (September – October): Bud Burst and New Growth

Focus: Feeding and protection.

• Apply a balanced fertiliser as buds swell to boost early growth.
• Start a regular spray program to protect new leaves and blossoms from fungal issues like leaf curl, black spot, and rust.
• Thin blossoms on heavily flowering trees to encourage larger fruit later.
• Plant new fruit trees or graft varieties before rapid spring growth begins.
• Watch for pests such as aphids and caterpillars.

Late Spring (November – December): Fruit Set

Focus: Pest control and support.

• Continue spraying as required (especially after rain).
• Mulch and water consistently as temperatures rise.
• Feed again with a light, nitrogen-lean fertiliser to support fruit growth.
• Thin young fruit (especially on apples and pears) to prevent overloading and improve size/quality.
• Support branches if heavy with developing fruit.

Summer (January – February): Growth and Ripening

Focus: Water, nutrition, and light maintenance.

• Regular watering — deep and consistent to prevent splitting or drop.
• Monitor pests like codling moth, scale, and mites.
• Summer pruning (light trimming) to manage height, airflow, and sunlight exposure.
• Harvest early-ripening varieties as they mature.
• Apply potassium-rich fertiliser to strengthen fruit and next year’s buds.

Autumn (March – May): Harvest and Clean-Up

Focus: Harvest, feeding, and disease prevention.

• Harvest late varieties — apples, pears, persimmons, feijoas, and quinces.
• Remove fallen fruit to avoid attracting pests.
• Apply compost or organic fertiliser to replenish nutrients before winter.
• Light prune to remove dead or damaged wood.
• Apply post-harvest spray (copper) to reduce disease carry-over.
• Mulch to protect roots over winter.

Summary Table

Extra Tips for Local Conditions

• Frost-prone areas (Rangitīkei, Tararua): delay pruning and fertilising until frosts pass.
• Windy coastal zones (Horowhenua): use shelter belts or stakes for young trees.
• Heavy clay soils (Manawatū): add gypsum and organic matter annually for drainage.
• Dry summer areas (Whanganui): mulch deeply and water early morning.

Caring for Different Types of Fruit Trees in New Zealand

Every fruit tree has its own personality — some are hardy and forgiving, while others need a bit of extra care. Here’s Phil’s guide to keeping the most popular fruit trees healthy and productive all year round.

Apples

Climate & soil: Apples thrive throughout the lower North Island. They like full sun, well-drained soil, and cool winters for dormancy.

Pruning:

• Winter: Main structural pruning to shape and encourage fruiting spurs.
• Summer: Light trimming to improve sunlight and airflow.

Spraying:

• Dormant oil and copper sprays in winter to control overwintering pests.
• Fungicide or organic options in spring for black spot and powdery mildew.

Feeding:

• Balanced fertiliser in early spring and again after harvest.
• Avoid overfeeding with nitrogen — it causes excess leafy growth.

Special tips:

• Thin fruit to one per cluster after fruit set.
• Keep an eye out for codling moth and apple leafcurling midge.

Pears

Climate & soil: Pears handle cooler conditions and heavier soils better than most fruit trees. Ideal for Tararua and Rangitīkei.

Pruning:

• Similar to apples, but less vigorous — don’t over-prune.
• Shape for open centres to improve air circulation.

Spraying:

• Dormant sprays in winter for pear leaf blister mite and scab.
• Early spring fungicide applications to protect new growth.

Feeding:

• Balanced fertiliser in spring; compost and mulch in autumn.

Special tips:

• Plant two compatible varieties for pollination.
• Pick fruit while still firm and allow to ripen indoors.

Peaches & Nectarines

Climate & soil: Prefer warm, sheltered spots. Susceptible to frost and disease in cool or damp areas.

Pruning:

• Summer pruning is best — after harvest — to reduce risk of silver leaf disease.
• Remove old fruiting wood each year to encourage new growth.

Spraying:

• Copper spray in late winter to prevent leaf curl before buds open.
• Regular fungal control through spring if conditions are humid.

Feeding:

• Apply fertiliser with extra potassium in early spring and mid-summer.
• Keep well-mulched to retain moisture.

Special tips:

• Avoid overhead watering — it spreads disease.
• Fruit thinning helps produce large, sweet peaches.

Feijoas

Climate & soil: Feijoas love sunny, well-drained positions. Tolerant of wind and light frosts — perfect for coastal Horowhenua and Manawatū.

Pruning:

• Light prune after fruiting (late autumn) to maintain shape and airflow.
• Avoid heavy pruning — fruit forms on last season’s wood.

Spraying:

• Generally low-maintenance; occasional copper spray if fungal issues appear.

Feeding:

• Spring fertiliser with added potassium for strong fruit set.
• Mulch well; feijoas dislike dry roots.

Special tips:

• Plant at least two varieties for cross-pollination.
• Prune lower branches to make harvesting easier.

Citrus (Lemons, Limes, Oranges, Mandarins)

Climate & soil: Thrive in sunny, frost-free spots. Best near houses or in sheltered areas for warmth.

Pruning:

• Light prune in late summer or early autumn to shape and remove crossing branches.
• Avoid pruning in winter (frost risk).

Spraying:

• Copper sprays for fungal protection over winter.
• Neem or horticultural oil in spring/summer for scale and aphids.

Feeding:

• Citrus are heavy feeders. Fertilise three times a year — early spring, mid-summer, and autumn.
• Use a citrus-specific fertiliser high in nitrogen and magnesium.

Special tips:

• Keep base weed-free and mulch well — but keep mulch off the trunk.
• Water deeply in dry spells.
• Yellow leaves usually indicate nutrient deficiency, not disease.

Limes (specifically)

Climate & soil: More frost-sensitive than lemons — thrive in Manawatū’s sheltered spots and warmer areas of Whanganui.

Pruning:

• Light prune after fruiting (late summer). Avoid winter pruning.

Feeding:

• As for other citrus — regular feeding, magnesium, and trace elements essential.

Special tips:

• Protect from frost with covers or microclimate planting.
• Container-growing is a good option in colder zones — move under cover in winter.

General Fruit Tree Tips

• Mulching: Retains moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds.
• Watering: Deep and consistent watering is better than frequent shallow watering.
• Pollination: Many trees (apples, pears, feijoas) need cross-pollination — plant two compatible varieties.
• Weed & grass control: Keep grass-free circles around trunks to prevent competition for nutrients.
• Annual maintenance: Regular pruning, feeding, and pest monitoring prevent problems before they start.