Fruit traps

[TimH]

I have just bought an Apple, Plum and Pear trees that should fruit this year, we'll see.
My question is; Are the Codling Moth and Plum Moth traps any good, or shall I wait to see if I get any Moths first? Any brand you recommend, what about glue bands too.


Cheers

Tim,

[FB.]

Baby trees are best de-fruited for their first year or two as it delays establishment of a strong root system and could completely stunt their growth.

[TimH]

These are dwarf trees in pots, should I still de-fruit them?

[FB.]

I would still de-fruit them, but the need to de-fruit would depend on the rootstock.
When you say "dwarf", what rootstocks are they on?

[TimH]

I would still de-fruit them, but the need to de-fruit would depend on the rootstock.
When you say "dwarf", what rootstocks are they on?

I've emailed the company to advise me, so I'll update you when I find out.

The only this it says on the details apart from the fruit type is Trade A Quality 'Feathered Maiden'.

[FB.]

"Feathered maiden"
Feathered = side branches.
Maiden = never been pruned.

If it has three or more side branches, then you'll probably be OK to fruit it lightly. Only retain one or two fruits (only one if it's a big cooker) per cluster in the early years.

However, most people seem to buy "maiden whips" that need a couple of years of pruning to encourage branches and shaping.