Fruit Tree Establishment: Tips For Proper Planting
If your ultimate goal is to create a yard that's providing as much sustenance as shelter, you may be thinking that it's time to plant some fruit trees. It's often best to work with a landscaping professional when you're choosing trees and shrubs, so talk with your landscaper about the fruit trees you want to have and where you're thinking of planting them. Here are some of the things that you should know when it comes to fruit tree planting.
Plant Them In The Spring
If you're going to establish new fruit trees, the best time to plant them is the early spring, as soon as the ground has thawed enough to be workable. This is the ideal time because it allows the tree an entire growing season to happily establish itself before dormancy next winter. If you're ordering trees to put into your yard, time the order carefully with your landscaper so that you'll have them ready to plant in the early spring temperatures of your area. Just make sure you've passed the last frost risk so that you don't risk frost damage on your newly transplanted tree.
Choose Planting Areas Carefully
One of the things that your landscaper will stress with you is to be sure that you choose the right locations for your fruit trees. Ideally, fruit trees need at least five to eight hours of direct sunlight, if not more. Make sure you consider that when you're choosing your planting location.
You also need to think about obstructions. Consider how tall your fruit trees will get. Dwarf trees will grow smaller than full-size trees, but you'll still need to contend with the root systems. Make sure you plant your fruit trees in areas where they won't be competing with each other or anything else for root space or height. Keep them away from your plumbing, any septic infrastructure, and your power lines.
Make The Most Of Your Planting Efforts
During that first year, you'll want to monitor your new fruit trees and pinch off any buds before the tree starts trying to flower or bear fruit. Preventing fruit production in the first year allows the tree to focus its efforts on core strength, which will give you a structurally sound, strong, healthy tree that can bear fruit the following year.
In addition, the first couple of years of a fruit tree's growth is hard on the soil. Talk with your landscaping contractor about any additional irrigation and nutrient supplementation you may need to keep the soil healthy and the trees watered.
These are some of the most important things to think about if you're planting fruit trees in your yard.