How to Take Care of Your Fruit Trees During Winter in Perth

Winter might seem like a quiet time in the garden, but your fruit trees still need a little TLC to stay healthy and prepare for a strong spring comeback. Here in Perth, where winters are milder than other parts of Australia, you can take a few simple steps to protect your trees and set them up for success.

1. Pruning in Winter

This is the perfect season to prune deciduous fruit trees like apples, pears, stone fruits (such as plums, peaches, and nectarines), and figs. Pruning helps remove dead or diseased wood, improves airflow, and shapes the tree for better fruit production.

• Always use clean, sharp tools.
• Cut just above outward-facing buds.
• Remove any crossing or inward-growing branches.

Avoid pruning citrus trees since they prefer a tidy-up in late spring or early summer.

2. Mulch and Moisture

Even in winter, trees need some water – especially if it’s been dry. Give your trees a deep soak once every few weeks if there’s no rain.

• Add a thick layer of mulch (sugarcane mulch, compost, or woodchips) around the base, keeping it away from the trunk. This keeps the roots insulated and holds in moisture.
• Mulch also reduces weeds, which compete for nutrients.

3. Pest and Disease Control

Many pests and fungal diseases overwinter in bark, soil, or old leaves. This is a great time to break their cycle.

• Clean up fallen leaves and fruit to prevent fungal spores from spreading.
• Consider spraying dormant oil or lime sulphur (for deciduous trees only – not citrus) to smother overwintering pests like scale and mites.

4. Fertilise with Caution during Winter

Hold off on feeding most fruit trees until late winter or early spring, just before they start to flower. Applying fertiliser too early can encourage growth at the wrong time and make them vulnerable to frost.

For citrus trees, you can apply a light dose of citrus-specific fertiliser in late winter as they begin to show new growth.

5. Protect from Frost (if needed)

In colder areas or during sudden cold snaps, young trees or tropical varieties like papayas or bananas might need frost protection.

• Use hessian, frost cloth, or old sheets to cover sensitive trees overnight.
• Move potted tropical fruit trees under shelter or closer to a warm wall.

6. Inspect and Prepare

This is also the best time to:

• Check tree stakes, ties, and supports – loosen them if they’re too tight.
• Look at tree trunks for signs of borers or damage.
• Plan ahead: winter is a great time to plant new deciduous fruit trees while they’re dormant.

Final Tip: Give Them Love, Even in the Cold
Your fruit trees may look quiet, but they’re busy storing energy and getting ready for spring. A little care goes a long way in keeping them healthy and productive year after year.

Need help selecting the right trees or fertilisers for winter? Visit our online nursery or reach out for expert advice tailored to Perth’s climate.