
This is really important!!! The location of your new Fruit Tree is dependent on what conditions are needed for the tree to thrive. Does it need good draining soil? Does it need Full Sun? What size will the tree be when fully grown. Does the area flood during heavy rains?
Once you know the Fruit Tree you are going to plant in the location that is best suited for that type of tree, you can know stake out the proper spacing for the tree in relation to the surrounding area. In most cases, we typically recommend 15'-20' spacing from one tree trunk to another tree trunk. Our knowledgeable staff can provide you with specifics based on your needs.
For soft loose soil, rock and sand, you are in luck. Simply remove the tree from the pot and measure the height of the root ball. If the root ball measures 10", dig the hole 9" deep and slightly wider than the width of the root ball. Once your hole is dug, remeasure the hole to make sure you hole in neither too large nor too deep for the root ball. If too deep, just put back in the hole some of the soil that was removed.
For compacted soil, large rocks or solid limestone - You have some more work ahead of you. If several trees are going to be planted in this type of hard ground, consider hiring someone with the proper equipment to make the holes. Ideally, each tree will need a 3' wide by 3' deep hole. Now this part is very important. DO NO BUY ANY TOPSOIL OR COW MANURE, ETC. These products will only hold moisture and can cause your trees to get root rot or fungus. Instead, you will backfill the large hole with the SAME material that came out of the hole. Just leave enough of a hole for the root ball to fit in the hole so the root ball remains about 1" above the surrounding surface area.
Once the tree is planted, it's time to water the newly planted tree. Be sure to water the tree in order to eliminate all of the air pockets around the root ball. Afterwards, you will water the tree daily for the next 2 weeks and then gradually scale back watering.
We typically recommend fertilizing fruit trees in April, July and October with an 8-3-9 granular fertilizer. You can also fertilize the tree the day the same day you plant the tree. Fertilize the tree after it's been watered, not before the initial watering. Apply 1 handful of fertilizer per 1" of trunk caliper. Be sure to spread the fertilize all around the tree at least 3' away from the trunk.
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