Frozen-J...

Interesting thread subject.

We  mostly concentrate on the final product.  Now we see the actual reality and problems we all face to grow these special fruit trees.

That said...I still love the process, and the efforts that need to be taken.  If it were any other fruit tree, I would not bother.  I could buy crappy apples in any store...ditto,  peaches,  pears, etc.  And, you need two of each to get fruit.

Frank

Over the last few seasons, drought has been the biggest summer problem. Squirrels are the biggest winter problem, doing a lot of damage to the wood and digging up roots looking for nuts they're convinced they buried there. Squirrels also do a lot of damage to green fig fruit and tomatoes during seasons of drought. Many cities have also drafted ordinances protecting squirrels from harm. Birds do a great deal of fruit damage as well. Other than that, a good rain at the wrong time could be disastrous.

The threat of Rafed and his big truck to fit them all in.

Critters- birds, squirrels and now raccoons!
Haha, I guess they approve of my attempt to create an oasis in suburbia.

Short growing season, cold springs  and maybe a cold summer this year or just global warming, El Nino/La Nina what ever ya want to call it . I got 2 inches of hail on Friday!

Nampa, Idaho