Home & Lifestyle >
Gardening >
Trees, Vines & Shrubs
Step by Step Guide to Planting and Caring for Fruit Trees
A fruit tree can be a great addition to any landscape as well as
provide you with terrific homegrown fruit. Follow these easy steps
to make sure you give your tree the best chance to thrive and grow
for years to come.
Planting
Where to Plant
The best place to plant a fruit tree is somewhere with direct
sunlight, and enough space that it can grow to its normal size
unobstructed. Be sure to ask at the nursery how much space the
specific tree you buy will need.
When to Plant
You can plant a fruit tree in early spring after the ground has
thawed. If the soil is very wet or sticking to your shovel it is
best to wait a little bit longer until the soil dries out some. In
some warmer climates it is okay to plant in the fall, but not
absolutely necessary.
How to Plant Your Tree
1. Dig a hole that is about a foot wider than the diameter of the
root ball and deep enough that the top roots have about an inch of
soil over them.
2. Do not put fertilizer in the planting hole if you have poor soil
you can add some peat moss or a little bit of compost.
3. Remove any broken or damaged roots before planting.
4. After checking to make sure the hole is big enough you can start
filling it with soil. Make sure that the tree remains straight and
upright while planting.
5. When the hole is filled in, gently pat the soil down with your
feet and then water the tree with about 2-5 gallons of water.
Care
It is a good idea to stake your tree, especially if it is in a
windy area or if it is a dwarf tree, but for all trees it will help
them stay straighter and increase growth. About two weeks after
planting it is a good idea to add some nitrogen fertilizer. About
an ounce will be enough and always water well after fertilizing.
Also do not apply nitrogen fertilizer after June because it will
cause late growth and may lead to damage of the tree during the
winter season. It is vital that the tree receives enough water.
Make sure the tree gets about five gallons of water for every week
that there is less than an inch of rainfall. It is also important
that the area around the base of the tree about two to three feet
out remain weed free. Weeds leach the soil of vitamins and other
nutrients that a new tree will need. Putting down mulch is a good
way to curb weeds and will also help the soil maintain moisture.
|
