Home gardeners can protect their own fruit from pests and diseases, as well as keep commercial orchards safe from pest infestations and spread of disease by using consistent spray programs.
Some pests are not allowed in commercial crops at all, and fruit infested with these insects is rejected in both domestic and international markets. These insect pests will find backyard fruit trees as host plants, and infect nearby commercial orchards if not properly controlled.
Request Assistance
Backyard Tree Assistance
Homeowners can request assistance for fruit trees on their own property. Print and complete the form and submit to Hood River Soil and Water Conservation District.
Need More Help?Contact local OSU Extension Agent Ashley Thompson or Kris Schaedel at Hood River Soil and Water Conservation District!
OSU Extension
Ashley Thompson
(541) 296-5494
ashley.thompson@oregonstate.edu
Hood River Soil and Water
Kris Schaedel
(541) 386-4588
kris@hoodriverswcd.org
Contact local OSU Extension Agent Ashley Thompson or Kris Schaedel at Hood River Soil and Water Conservation District!
OSU Extension
Ashley Thompson
(541) 296-5494
ashley.thompson@oregonstate.edu
Hood River Soil and Water
Kris Schaedel
(541) 386-4588
kris@hoodriverswcd.org
Oregon & Washington
State & County Ordinances
Many homeowners are unaware that they are legally responsible for controlling insect pests and diseases in fruit trees on their property.
Fruit Tree Pests & Diseases
Learn about various pests and diseases around the Columbia River Gorge and signs on how to spot them.
Resources
Diseases and Insects in Home Orchards
In this guide from OSU Extension, you can learn best pest management practices for your home orchards.
Backyard Fruit Trees FAQ
More Trouble Than They Are Worth?
This WSU Extension article explains that people may not realize the work or responsibility that goes with that little tree when it is planted.
Backyard Fruit Tree Resources
Washington State University Extension provides research-based knowledge and education for a wide-range of topics, including pest and disease management, soils, irrigation, and harvesting and storing fruit.
Tree Fruit Fact Sheets
Home gardeners can access comprehensive resources for managing diseases and insect pests in their home fruit trees. See fact sheets for details about common issues and solutions in cherry, pear, apple and other fruit trees.
Love Them or Leave Them: Fruit Trees Take a Lot of Work
Residential fruit tree owners tend to have a love-hate relationship with their fruit trees. The fruit they love; the work they hate.
Why Backyard Fruit Trees Are Not for Everyone
Before planting an apple, pear, or cherry tree, residents who live in major fruit producing areas should consider the downside of planting fruit trees in their home landscape.
Backyard Fruit Tree Spray Schedules
The list of PDFs in the link shows the suggested spray schedules for each tree crop.