What are the benefits of scraping fruit tree bark in winter?

In winter, fruit trees enter dormancy, and this is the best time for scraping bark. This is an important measure in winter management of fruit trees, and it is of great importance for reducing pest and disease damage in the coming year, promoting robust tree growth, and increasing fruit tree yields.

Select fruit trees of the right age

Generally, pear, persimmon, peach, plum, apricot, and Japanese apricot trees over 15 years old, and grapevines over 8 years old, can have their bark scraped.

Time for scraping bark

Generally from November to February of the following year, because this period is exactly the dormancy period for fruit trees and pests and diseases. Scraping bark does not affect tree growth and can also wipe out pests and diseases completely.

Method of scraping bark

The auxiliary branches, lateral branches, main branches, and trunk sections of fruit trees should all be scraped carefully. Generally, pear trees should be scraped deeply until the red inner bark appears, while persimmon, peach, Japanese apricot, plum, and apricot trees should only have their rough outer bark lightly scraped away. Never scrape until the white bark is exposed.

Disinfection after scraping

After scraping the bark, combine this with winter orchard cleanup and centralize the destruction of debris. Also use 1 kg of quicklime, 2 kg of salt, 50 g of animal and vegetable oil, and 30 g of sulfur powder, mix with water, and brush it onto the scraped areas.