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Hello,

I have just moved to Michigan (just outside of Paw Paw) to my husbands childhood home. Unfortunately the land has not been kept us since his family moved. We are planning to rejuvenate the land and house and are looking for reliable local resources. I have had no problems finding help with getting the house and garden back in order but have had no luck regarding the fruit trees or orchard. There are about 20-25 trees of several varieties. Some look very sick others may just need some pruning. My problem is that of a city girl. I have no experience with identifying trees by their branches and buds. Worse, I cannot diagnose their diseases without a picture. Without proper distinction of disease or problem I am unable to treat them properly.

Is there a website that I can find pictures of different budding fruit trees before the fruit has set
OR is there a local place I can either bring in branches to get help
OR can I email someone digital pictures of each tree to get help identifying the type of tree and what its condition may be?

I know this is a lot but we are very interested in bringing the property back to life. I also ordered several new trees (plum, apple, a hardy fig and apricot, etc.) and need to know if its safe to plant them near the old orchard extending its size or if I should pick a new place in fear of disease spread.

PS The garden here has been organic for over 100 years and we would like to keep it that way. Is there a program that I can use for disease and pests that you recommend? I am having trouble figuring out what products to use and what to start with since they have been abandoned for about 15 years. I would like to move forward with a plan ASAP to try to save the healthier trees.

I really appreciate any resources you can offer or any suggestions or advice you may have.
Thanks so much,
Sara