Willunga Fruit Tree Pruning

04/09/2026

27/08/2026

The winter pruning window is closing fast!

If winter pruning your fruit trees has been on your to-do list, now's the time - the window is closing quickly.

Winter pruning is especially valuable for young trees (to encourage strong, vigorous growth) and for trees that need a structural prune to improve shape and future productivity.

Many trees are already blossoming and growing - the good news is it's still fine to prune while trees are in flower, but there's only a small window left for peach, nectarine, fig and plum trees. Apple and pear trees generally have a bit more time up their sleeve.

📅 Get in touch if you'd like to book in before the window closes!

02/07/2026

Most of us love a good combustion heater on these chilly winter days, but if you've been spreading wood ash around the base of your fruit trees, please STOP — especially here in Adelaide.
Wood ash is very alkaline, and most of our soils in Adelaide are already alkaline to begin with. Adding ash to soils pushes the pH even higher, which can make it harder for trees to access nutrients like iron, manganese and zinc — even when those nutrients are present in the soil. Over time this often shows up as yellowing leaves and slower, weaker growth.
Many parts of Australia have acidic soils, where a small amount of ash can actually be beneficial. But in Adelaide (and Perth, which has similar alkaline soils), it's generally best avoided around trees.
If you're not sure what your soil is doing, a simple pH test kit from the hardware store or nursery is an easy way to check before adding anything.

25/06/2026

If you haven't yet topped up the mulch under your fruit trees, now is the perfect time.

After recent rain the soil is beautifully moist, and a thick layer of woody mulch applied now will help keep it that way for longer. As temperatures rise through summer, that same mulch will work hard to keep the roots cool and protect the soil from drying out.

But before you reach for the mulch, start with a generous layer of AGED animal manure — sheep, chicken, horse or cow all work wonderfully. Over time, worms and microorganisms will break this down and work it into the top few centremetres of soil. As they feed on the organic matter they tunnel through the soil, creating pockets that allow air and water to reach the roots, lightening the soil structure in the process.

Cover this with a thick layer of woody mulch, which will break down more slowly, continuing to protect and nourish the soil over the coming months.

The results speak for themselves — better water retention, improved aeration and drainage, and a noticeable boost in the availability of nutrients for your trees. A little effort now will make a real difference come the heat of summer!

18/06/2026

With the cool, wet weather here, now is the time to start thinking about planting bare-rooted fruit trees, which will be appearing in nurseries over the coming weeks.

There is something truly exciting about selecting a variety that will reward you with fresh fruit from your own garden for decades to come. Whether you're dreaming of a classic apple, a juicy peach, or something a little more unusual, it's worth doing your research early and getting good local advice to find the perfect variety for your conditions and ensure any pollination requirements are met. This is one decision that's well worth getting right!

Choose your site carefully, allowing enough space for the tree to reach its full size while remaining easy to access for pruning, harvesting and netting.

Where possible, dig and prepare your planting holes in advance. For heavy or clay soils, work in plenty of gypsum (around 1 kg per square metre) along with generous amounts of good-quality compost, and clear the area of any competing grass. This is your tree's foundation — thorough soil preparation now will pay dividends for years to come.

Don't overlook the importance of formative pruning when your tree is planted. Getting the structure and shape right while the tree is young sets it up for a lifetime of healthy growth and productive harvests — it is arguably the most important prune your tree will ever have.

If you'd like some expert help to make sure it's done right, Willunga Fruit Tree Pruning is here to help!

Call Amanda on 0412 009 426

18/06/2026

With cool, wet weather here, now is the time to start thinking about planting bare-rooted deciduous fruit trees, which will be appearing in nurseries over the coming weeks.

There is something truly exciting about selecting a variety that will reward you with fresh fruit from your own garden for decades to come. Whether you're dreaming of a classic apple, a juicy peach, or something a little more unusual, it's worth doing your research early and getting good local advice to find the perfect variety for your conditions and ensure any pollination requirements are met.

Choose your site carefully, allowing enough space for the tree to reach its full size while remaining easy to access for pruning, harvesting and netting.

Where possible, dig and prepare your planting holes in advance. For heavy or clay soils, work in plenty of gypsum (around 1 kg per square metre) along with generous amounts of good-quality compost, and clear the area of any competing grass. This is your tree's foundation — thorough soil preparation now will pay dividends for years to come.

Once your tree is in the ground, don't overlook the importance of formative pruning. Getting the structure and shape right while the tree is young sets it up for a lifetime of healthy growth and productive harvests — it is arguably the most important prune your tree will ever have.

If you'd like some expert help to make sure it's done right, Willunga Fruit Tree Pruning is here to help.

Call Amanda on 0412 009 426

09/04/2026

I am excited to let you know that I am now stocking a select range of quality organic-based Neutrog fertilisers and plant health tonics expertly made right here in South Australia, now available for direct purchase.

Gyganic, a specially formulated pelletised fertiliser, enhances the size, quality, and taste of veggies, fruit, and citrus, offered in 4kg and 15kg quantities.

Seamungus, a comprehensive plant and soil conditioner, combines the benefits of seaweed, fish, humic acid, and manure to protect plants against heat, drought, frost, pests, and disease, available in 1.2kg pellets and 1-litre liquid.

A limited supply is carried in my vehicle for purchase during pruning and fruit tree care services. Delivery or pick up by prior arrangement.