Planting fruit trees in your backyard is a great perk, offering the chance to enjoy the crunchiest apples and the juiciest plums, all grown yourself. When to plant fruit trees is an essential consideration, as it can significantly impact their growth and productivity.
While planting fruit trees can seem challenging, it is worth the effort. With the correct information and a little thought, you can successfully grow healthy plants that yield a good crop. The key to success lies in understanding the best time to plant and taking the necessary steps to ensure your fruit trees thrive, unlike non-fruit or evergreen trees, which might not require as much care.
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Planting fruit trees requires some preparation, but with a solid guide and careful attention, you can create a thriving space for fruit to grow in your garden. The joy of harvesting sweet, fresh fruit is incomparable to store-bought produce, and it adds a unique flavor to everything you grow.
Whether you’re planting apples or plums, knowing when to plant and how to care for these trees will allow you to enjoy fresh fruits that taste far superior to anything you find in a store. Garden ideas that include fruit trees will bring a sense of accomplishment and a healthy harvest to your home.
When to plant bare-root fruit trees
The best time to plant bare-root trees is during the early spring, between February and early May when the trees are still dormant. This allows the root systems to establish themselves before the growing season begins. Planting during this time helps the trees grow strong and survive the warmer months. While planting in the fall can be tempting, it can be risky because of the harsh winter that may follow. If you live in a region with cold winters, waiting until the snow has melted and the ground has thawed is important to avoid damage to the root system from freeze and high moisture.
In regions with mild winters or hardiness zones eight and above, bare-root trees can often be planted during early winter or mid-winter if the weather forecast calls for a mild spell. Just make sure that leaf buds haven’t started to emerge prematurely. If the weather turns cold again, these trees could face bad weather that could harm their development. When planting during a mild spell, it’s crucial to ensure the soil is not too wet and the trees are given enough time to settle before more extreme conditions arrive.
When to plant pot-grown fruit trees
Container-grown trees can be planted almost any time of the year, but the best time to plant them is typically between September and early May. This period gives the tree a chance to establish its root systems before the heat of summer or the cold of winter. Planting in fall allows the tree to settle into the existing soil and take advantage of the mild-spell weather before winter. However, if you’re growing in the spring, ensure the tree is well-established by the time the summer months arrive, as high heat and low moisture could put the tree under stress.
One advantage of planting pot-grown trees over bare-root trees is that they are less affected by harsh conditions because their root systems are already developed. These trees can be planted earlier in the season, allowing for better growth. However, it’s important to avoid planting in winter unless you have a mild spell, as the cold and high moisture can damage the roots, especially if the ground is too wet or frozen. Careful attention to the weather is essential to ensure that the tree thrives.
When not to plant fruit trees?
It’s important to avoid planting a new fruit tree during two critical periods: summer and winter. Summer can bring high heat and low moisture, which stresses the tree, making it difficult to establish its roots. Winter, on the other hand, often brings frozen ground, which makes it nearly impossible for the tree to grow. Planting during these times is discouraged as it reduces the chances of successful establishment. Instead, please wait for the right time, typically mid-May to August, when the weather is warmer and the tree has the best chance to grow at its fastest rate.
When planting bare-root trees, it’s crucial not to plant them during terrible weather, such as during a cold garage or when the ground is too hard. If the soil is frozen or too wet, heel the tree into a trench or pile of compost until conditions improve. Planting in the garden should always be done when the weather is more favorable and improves the tree’s ability to grow and establish its roots. Remember, planting a fruit tree is a long-term investment, and choosing the right time for planting can make all the difference in the tree’s future success.
How to Plant Fruit Trees
Preparing the Tree for Planting
When planting fruit trees, such as grafted apple, pear, or quince trees, it’s essential to prepare and care for the tree from the start properly. Remove it from the box and carefully wrap it in plastic if transporting the tree. If it’s too cold or freezing, you may need to store the tree in a shaded basement or garage for a few days. After the tree has been in a cool area for about 4 days, ensure the roots are not drying out. Soak them in water for 6-24 hours to rehydrate before planting. Once you’re ready to grow, check the roots and make sure they are moist and healthy.
Preparing the Planting Area
Next, prepare the planting area by choosing well-draining, nutrient-rich, and slightly acidic loamy soil. If your soil lacks the necessary drainage, you can amend it with organic matter, such as compost or fertilizer. Create a hole at least 18″ deep and wide enough to accommodate the tree’s roots without compacting them. When you place the tree in the hole, ensure the grafted union of the rootstock is above the soil level, as burying it too deep can harm the tree. For dwarf or semi-dwarf trees, plant them with enough space to allow their roots to fan out and grow.
Securing and Watering the Tree
Once planted, the next step is to secure the tree using a metal stake, which should be around 8’10’ in height. Attach the tree to the stake to keep it vertical and prevent movement, especially during wind. Use ties to gently secure the tree, ensuring no pressure on the bark. This will prevent damage as the tree grows. Water the tree thoroughly, using 1-2 gallons of water in the first year to help the roots settle and avoid drought stress. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Apply mulch around the tree’s base to retain moisture, prevent weeds, and protect the roots from extreme temperatures.
Pruning and Protecting the Tree
For proper growth, pruning is essential. In the first year, focus on developing a strong central leader and removing lower branches too close to the ground. Scaffold branches should be spaced at a 45-60-degree angle, and you can trim them to about 12″ long to encourage a well-balanced shape. Pruning during late summer helps maintain the tree’s health by preventing the growth of diseased or dead branches. Install mouse or tree guards around the trunk to protect the tree from rodents or rabbits. This will help protect the bark from being chewed, especially in winter.
How far apart do fruit trees need to be planted?
When planting fruit trees, the distance between them depends on the variety and how they are trained. Generally, most trees should be planted 10-30 feet apart to prevent root competition and ensure that each tree has enough space for proper growth and access to light.
However, if you are growing espaliers or cordons, which are trained to grow flat against a wall or trellis, you can plant them as close as 2ft to each other. For trees that need cross-pollination, such as apple or pear trees, ensure they are placed close enough to allow the wind or pollinators to carry pollen between them, but not so close together that they compete for nutrients and space. Typical spacing for smaller fruit trees is around 6ft, while larger trees require more space.
How to care for fruit trees
Watering
When caring for bare-root trees after planting, one of the key parts is ensuring they are well watered. Irrigating the tree once daily is essential in the first week after planting, giving it 2-5 gallons of water. This helps the tree settle into the ground and begin to establish itself. Over time, as the tree becomes more established, you can reduce the watering frequency, but it is crucial to continue checking that the soil is moist enough for healthy growth. Depending on the particular fruit tree, you should also consider its fertilizing requirements and set a feeding regime that works best for its specific needs.
Mulching and Protection
Another essential care task is mulching, which provides many benefits for fruit trees. Applying annual mulch around the tree trunk helps retain moisture, regulates soil temperature, and protects the tree’s bark from extreme conditions. It also reduces the risk of the tree being snacked on by deer or rabbits. For added protection, you can use chicken wire or fencing around the tree to keep pests at bay. A shorter fence or taller fencing can prevent animals like Peter Cottontail from eating the young tree, which could lead to damage or even killing the tree.
Pruning
Pruning fruit trees is also vital in shaping your tree and maintaining its health. In winter, when the tree is dormant and the leaves have fallen, focus on pruning any significant changes to the tree’s shape. This will encourage a strong structure as the tree grows, especially in the spring and summer when the tree experiences excessive growth. Train the tree early to ensure a good foundation and overall shape. Proper pruning will allow your tree to grow strong, producing healthy fruit year after year.
Final Observations
Planting and caring for fruit trees requires patience and proper attention, but you can enjoy sweet, fresh fruit from your backyard with the right timing and care. Whether you’re planting bare-root trees or pot-grown varieties, knowing when to plant and how to care for your trees, from watering and mulching to pruning and protection, will help ensure they grow healthy and strong. With consistent care and the right environment, your fruit trees will reward you with bountiful harvests of apples, pears, and other delicious fruits for years to come.
FAQs
Q- Can You Plant Fruit Trees in the fall?
Yes, you can plant fruit trees in the fall, but it’s better to wait until the ground has thawed and the weather is mild, especially in colder climates.
Q- What time of year is best to plant fruit trees?
The best time to plant fruit trees is in early spring or fall when the weather is cooler, and the tree has time to establish roots before the hot summer.
Q- What is the easiest fruit tree to grow?
Apple and pear trees are among the easiest fruit trees to grow, especially if you choose disease-resistant varieties suited to your climate.
Q- Where is it best to plant fruit trees?
It is best to plant fruit trees in an area that receives full sun, with well-draining soil and enough space to allow the tree to grow and spread its roots.
Q- What is the best time to fertilize fruit trees?
The best time to fertilize fruit trees is in early spring before new growth begins and again in late summer to support fruit production and tree health.
