The harvest of delicious tree fruit has already begun in many areas. Most early peaches, plums and cherries have been picked in southern climates. Midseason varieties - the best of the best - are starting, and apples and pears lie ahead. Farther north, much of the harvest season is still to come. To make sure you get the most from your harvest later this summer and even next season, now is a good time to check your trees carefully. Follow these steps to guarantee the health of your fruit trees:

• Support fruit-laden branches with wood props to prevent breakage.
• Remove any diseased or insect-damaged fruit. If pest damage is excessive, take a sample to your local nursery or cooperative extension office and ask for other control measures.
• If fruit is close to maturity, provide protection from birds. Covering trees with bird netting is the surest protection.
• Make sure trees don't dry out, but don't over-water either. Too much water has a negative impact on flavor.
• Clean up trees that have already been picked, raking up anything on the ground and picking fruit left in the tree. Left-over fruit can harbor insects and disease.
• Prune to remove diseased or damaged branches.
• Remove wayward growth and reduce the size of trees that have gotten too big. Summer pruning is an excellent way to control the size of fruit trees.

By following these simple steps, you can help keep your trees fruitful for years to come.