Purchasing and Planting Fruit Trees
When planting fruit trees never place fertilizer in the hole with the new trees. It is also necessary to begin training your fruit trees immediately after planting. Therefore, we recommend that you learn how each type of fruit tree should be pruned immediately after planting.
The old adage of "you get what you pay for" is an important consideration when buying fruit trees. Often, bargain plants are not healthy or may be a variety not adapted to your area. Buy only trees of recommended varieties from a reliable source.
Here are some additional points to keep in mind when purchasing fruit trees:
- A healthy one-year old whip, approximately four to six feet tall and with a good root system, is the preferred type of tree for planting.
- A small tree with a good root system is more desirable than a large tree with a poor root system.
- Trees that are two-years old or older do not usually make as good a tree as one-year-old trees. Frequently, the older trees do not have sufficient buds on the lower portion of the trunk to develop a good framework.
- Trees that appear stunted, poorly grown, diseased, or insect injured should not be purchased.
- Check the trees closely to make sure that you are getting the variety and rootstock that you desire
When fruit trees arrive from the nursery, open the bundles immediately. Soak the roots in water six to twelve hours if they are not moist. The trees should then be planted if the soil is not too wet.
Before planting…
Prepare the soil thoroughly by plowing or spading. Follow by disking or raking to smooth the surface. If you have not adjusted the soil pH to 6. 5 previously, liming should be done before you prepare the soil. This will insure that the lime will be incorporated into the soil. Lime an area 10' x 10' where each tree will be planted.
Before planting, cut off all broken or mutilated parts of roots with a sharp knife or pruning shears. Keep root pruning to a minimum.
Digging and Planting…
Dig holes large enough to receive the roots freely without cramping or bending from their natural position. Set the plants with the graft or bud union two inches above the soil line. Work soil in and around the roots. When the hole is half filled, pack the soil firmly. Do not leave a depression around the tree. Also, do not place fertilizer in the planting hole or fertilize immediately after planting. This should be done after the soil is settled by a drenching rain.
After planting…
It is desirable to apply sufficient water to thoroughly soak the soil in the area of the tree roots. This watering will help to bring the soil into closer contact with all sides of the roots and eliminate air pockets around the roots.
If the soil is not prepared when the trees are to be planted, or the ground is too wet, heel the trees in by placing them in an open trench deep enough to cover all roots. The north side of a building is the best place for heeling because the trees will remain dormant longer. Place soil over the roots to the depth they will be planted in your yard.
For more information on purchasing and planting fruit trees, contact your local county Extension office .
