Sonoma Fruit Tree Maintenance

Flexible, Comprehensive Tree Care Services in Sonoma Valley

As everyone knows, a little TLC goes a long way. Similarly, thriving fruit trees are the result of a conscious attention to tree health and vitality. Of course, our fruit trees and orchards in Sonoma Valley get a head start from diverse microclimates and fertile soil. However, a happy, bountiful orchard is the result of regular, ongoing attention through tasks such as weed control, winter tree protection, fruit tree trimming and pruning, and soil aeration.

Sonoma fruit tree expert Madaline Duran examining the branches of a fruit tree in the early summer sunshine.

How We Help—Tree Maintenance

Situation, soil, and your property’s microclimate all impact the health of your trees. While your established olive trees may simply benefit from seasonal nutrition, protection, and pruning, your recently planted citrus trees may need an extra boost early on to grow and flourish. Or perhaps your fig tree may have experienced sun damage. Specialized olive tree care and fig tree care require different approaches, as each species has unique needs in our climate. There are so many variables that, instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, Sonoma Pruner owner Madaline Duran will evaluate your trees and develop a care plan specific to their needs.

Sonoma Pruner Tree Care Program

Madaline is passionate about improving the quality of trees and their fruit! Each time she visits your property, she will read your trees and adjust the care formula accordingly. All fruit tree care visits include:

  • The application of ‘Magic Fairy Dust,’ Madaline’s proprietary blend of organic amendments.
  • Nutritional analysis and profiling to identify deficincies and build customized tree-feeding plans.
  • A comprehensive health assessment to identify early signs of stress, disease, or fruit tree pest activity (including leaf-curling aphids, mites, borers, and moths).
  • Careful monitoring of structural integrity and growth patterns.
  • Fruit quality assessment to diagnose health issues – examining texture and flavor and checking for problems like brown rot or codling moths.
  • Free consultations for ongoing clients (charges apply only for tree adjustments or written reports exceeding 15 minutes of work).
  • A pre-harvest “soil soak” treatment (approximately 2.5 months before harvest) to enhance fruit flavor and boost natural pest resistance.
A pear fruit tree branch with delicious-looking ripening pears

Tree Maintenance Frequency

The health of your trees determines how often they need attention. As their health improves, we adjust the timing accordingly. This way, you only pay for the care your trees truly need.

Bi-Monthly Tree Care

Generally ideal for new clients with somewhat neglected trees wanting to improve their care. This approach helps establish a solid foundation for your trees’ ongoing health.

Monthly Tree Care

An option that provides flexibility based on your trees’ specific needs and your preferences. Some clients choose this frequency because it fits their budget, while others have trees already in good condition that benefit from regular spa days.

DIY Tree Care with Expert Mentorship

Care for your trees yourself with Madaline’s guidance. In this yearly option, Madaline will equip you with the knowledge you need to manage the health of your trees and provide support when you need it.

A La Carte Tree Maintenance Services

Proper maintenance is the foundation of tree health and productivity. In addition to our tree care program, the following tree care services are offered. If you are one of our regular clients, nutritional amendments, application labor, and watering are included in your maintenance package. Maintenance clients are not charged when Madaline spends 15 minutes or less performing any of these services.

Pruning & Support

Pruning

Strategic trimming and fruit tree pruning assist the development of strong trees and bountiful harvests.

Tree Support

Rather than using artificial tree and branch supports that can damage bark or fail during windy conditions, Madaline strategically prunes branches to support the weight of their fruit. This process includes:

  • Targeted fruit thinning to reduce weight on branches
  • Structural pruning to stimulate stronger branch development
  • Selective tip pruning to manage branch length and load distribution

In rare instances where temporary support is absolutely necessary, Madaline recommends only rubber-cradled supports to minimize bark damage.

Tree Staking

Struggling and young trees can benefit from a little extra bolstering. Over time, staking these fruit trees relieves strain and enables them to grow strong and healthy.
a woman pruning orchard trees in Sonoma Valley.

Seasonal Fruit Tree Protection

Properties in Sonoma County each have their own mini-climates with variable moisture, temperature, sunshine, fog, and wind patterns that impact fruit tree growing conditions. Seasonal fruit tree protection safeguards your trees and harvest, and may include strategic fencing for wind protection and specialized watering regimens during drought.

Spring & Summer Tree Protection

During warmer months, the beneficial Sonoma Valley sun can also damage young fruit trees. Painting their trunks white acts as a tree guard, reflecting the sun’s scorching rays and preventing sunscale and cracking. This method also has the additional benefit of deterring pests.

Winter Tree Protection

While winters in the North Bay are more temperate than up north, colder temperatures and frost do occur and can negatively impact your orchard. In addition, trees draw less moisture during the winter months. Sonoma Pruner recommends tree mulching applied 8-12 inches from the trunks, and extending to the width of the canopy to insulate and aid moisture retention. We apply compost in a thick ring, ideally with the irrigation line on top. Woodchips spread beyond the compost in a thick layer (3-6 inches) prevents weed growth and adds nutrients as it decomposes over time.
In particular, citrus trees are sensitive to cooler conditions. When you are planting fruit trees sensitive to cold, try to do so near your home or a structure.

Sonoma Pruner owner Madaline preparing to provide nutrition to fruit trees

Soil & Nutrition Tree Care

What happens in your soil directly impacts fruit quality, disease resistance, and overall tree vitality.

Soil Aeration

Compacted soil restricts root growth and limits water absorption. Through gentle aeration, we’ll improve oxygen flow to roots. This will nurture an environment in which helpful soil organisms thrive and your fruit trees can access essential nutrients.

Weed Control

Weeds compete with your fruit trees for water, sunlight, and valuable nutrients. We mitigate this competition without the use of harmful chemicals that can damage your trees and soil ecology.

Composting & Mulching

Our strategic garden composting and mulching program supports the long-term health of your trees by:

  • Enriching soil with organic matter that breaks down gradually, providing sustained nutrition
  • Creating protective barriers that prevent weed growth and soil erosion
  • Regulating soil temperature throughout seasonal changes
  • Reducing water loss through evaporation during dry periods
  • Adding beneficial microorganisms that improve soil structure and nutrient availability

Tree First Aid

Tree Triage

Even with the best care, Sonoma fruit trees can sustain wounds from our intense summer sun, occasional frost events, wildlife activity, or accidental mechanical damage from garden equipment. Proper tree wound care is essential for preventing disease entry and promoting healing. Our approach to treating tree wounds includes:

  • Professional assessment of wound severity
  • Careful cleaning and preparation of damaged areas
  • Application of appropriate treatments to promote callus formation
  • Ongoing monitoring of the healing process

Why Choose Sonoma Pruner

  • Deep Local Knowledge: With years of experience in Sonoma and Napa’s diverse microclimates, Madaline understands the unique challenges and opportunities our region presents for fruit trees.
  • Personalized Approach: We develop custom solutions tailored to each tree’s specific needs, history, and growing conditions.
  • Organic Methodology: Our proprietary “Magic Fairy Dust” and organic practices nurture both your trees and the surrounding ecosystem for sustainable, long-term health.
  • Proactive Care: Our regular assessment process identifies potential issues before they become problems, saving you time and money while protecting your investment.
  • Harvest-Focused Results: Everything we do aims to produce abundant, flavorful harvests, from targeted nutritional programs to strategic pruning techniques.

Ready to grow?

Schedule your consultation