Taking care of your apple trees in February in Michigan requires attention to winter protection, pruning, and preparation for the upcoming growing season. Here’s what you should focus on: ### **1. Winter Protection** - **Rodent & Deer Protection**: - Wrap the base of your trees with tree guards or hardware cloth to prevent damage from rabbits, voles, and deer. - If deer are a problem, use fencing or tree shelters to prevent browsing. - **Mulching**: - Keep a **2-4 inch layer of mulch** (straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves) around the base, but **avoid piling mulch against the trunk** to prevent rot. - **Checking for Damage**: - Look for bark damage from rodents or frost cracks and address any issues early. ### **2. Pruning (Late February to Early March)** Winter is the best time to prune, while the tree is dormant. Choose a day when temperatures are above 20°F to prevent cold damage. - **Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches.** - **Thin out crowded branches** to improve air circulation. - **Cut back water sprouts and suckers** (the vertical shoots growing from the base or along main branches). - **Shape the tree** for a strong, open structure by keeping the central leader (if growing in that style) and maintaining evenly spaced scaffold branches. ### **3. Checking for Pests & Disease** - Look for **signs of apple tree diseases** like cankers or fire blight. Prune infected branches and **dispose of them away from the orchard**. - If you’ve had issues with pests (like apple maggots or codling moths) in the past, winter is a good time to remove any mummified fruit or fallen debris around the base of the tree. ### **4. Fertilization & Soil Health** - **Avoid heavy fertilization now** – wait until **early spring (March/April)** when growth starts. - If you haven’t done a soil test, consider testing it to determine nutrient needs. - **Compost or slow-release organic fertilizer** can be added around the root zone when the soil starts thawing. ### **5. Preparing for Spring** - Keep an eye on the **weather forecast**. If a late freeze is expected in spring, be prepared to cover young buds with frost cloths. - Plan for **early-season spraying** (dormant oil spray) in March/April to smother overwintering pests. Would you like specific guidance on organic vs. conventional care methods? Or do you have any known issues from previous years?