Planting fruit trees in your yard is great for you and the environment. But it is crucial to understand how to plant them properly. Having your trees planted correctly helps them grow well and avoid disease. To do this, you should consider several factors. These include the size of your yard, soil type, and what fruits you want.
Find a Reputable Nursery
There are several factors to consider when purchasing fruit trees from a nursery. You want to ensure you get a top-quality tree well-adapted to your area. The adage “you get what you pay for” is especially true when buying fruit trees. Bargain plants may not be healthy, or they may not be suited to your climate.
It is also important to know the size of your space. For instance, fruit tree Mountain View comes in different sizes, and a few feet can make all the difference in whether or not a tree will work for you. Many fruit trees are grafted on dwarf or semi-dwarf rootstocks, making them perfect for smaller spaces. Another important consideration is soil type—most fruit trees like free-draining, enriched soil rich in organic matter. A good test is to dig a hole one foot deep and fill it with water. It should drain within three hours or less.
Know Your Soil Type
A reputable nursery should have the expertise to provide information about your area’s soil. The soil type will significantly impact the fruit trees that thrive in your climate. Most fruit trees require a well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. You can get a general idea of your soil type by testing it in the fall or winter. Once you have a good idea of the soil type in your yard, you can decide where to plant your tree. Ideally, the site should be free of large rocks and perennial weeds. Also, consider the location’s microclimate.
Know the Fruits You Want
The most important thing to consider when purchasing fruit trees is what you truly enjoy eating and making into jams, preserves, and pies. You need to like the taste of a particular fruit to take the time to harvest it and make a good product. Another important consideration when selecting a fruit tree is how much sun or partial shade it needs. While most fruit trees require full sun, a few can tolerate shade. Finally, it’s also worth considering whether or not you want to grow a dwarf fruit tree, which will be less space-consuming than a standard fruit tree. Once you’ve selected, purchase the seedlings from a reputable nursery. It’s also a good idea to browse the selection at several nurseries to make side-by-side comparisons.
Know the Tree’s Age
As you browse your options at the garden center, pay attention to the age of each fruit tree seedling. Younger trees have different needs than adult plants. They must establish themselves in their new environment and will only produce a little fruit at this stage. Seedlings are usually 3-4 years old at purchase, but they could still be in their adolescent phase (similar to the lanky phase that teenagers go through). They will have some branches and may produce fruit, but not as much as older trees would. Seedlings can also be used for grafting other cultivars onto them.
Once you’ve bought your trees, take good care of them. Water them early in the morning to limit water loss due to evaporation and keep them hydrated over the day. Keep the area around the seedlings free of weeds and other debris that can provide hiding spots for pests and fungal diseases.
