The campaign focuses in particular on the restoration of older fruit trees in order to increase their vitality and lifespan. Climate change is having a particularly severe impact on older and poorly maintained orchards. The trees suffer enormously from the poor water supply caused by heat and drought, especially if they are located on shallow soils. Weakness pathogens such as the black bark blight (Diplodia) and semi-parasites such as mistletoe have an easy game here and spread quickly within the stands. If the infested branches and trunks are not removed quickly and thoroughly, the infestation will inevitably lead to the death of the trees. The removal of these pests is an indispensable part of professional fruit tree pruning. While mistletoe is very easy to recognize, especially in winter, due to its spherical growth in the treetops, black bark blight requires a closer look. Both can also be observed in many areas in the Ludwigsburg district.
The fruit and horticultural advisors from the Ludwigsburg district took part in the orchard maintenance days on two Saturdays in March for the first time this year. Together with the participants of the current specialist caretaker course, 16 trees were pruned in Möglingen and 15 old orchard trees in Ditzingen on municipal land. The two additional dates offered the participants the opportunity to improve their skills and knowledge in pruning fruit trees, true to the motto: "Practice makes perfect". In the best pruning weather and full of enthusiasm, the course participants ensured a light crown and a stable crown structure with appropriate interventions, thus creating the conditions for a long and healthy fruit tree life.
