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 from Sacramento tree maintenance experts to plant and grow fruit trees 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.