When Do You Plant Fruit Trees and Where Should You Plant Them?

The usual response to this question is late fall, early winter or early spring. Having said that,those in countries which experience varying climates such as the US, should first establish which planting zone they reside in. Once the correct planting zone has been determined the young tree can be planted before the possibility of any ground frost occurs.

Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of planting their fruit tree during the long summer months. Summer is not a good time to plant your fruit tree as it is highly likely that new growth will appear before the onset of winter. Sprouting new growth can cause a great deal of stress to a young tree due to the amount of nutrients required for the new growth.

A new tree needs a substantial amount of nutrients to become established, therefore, when nutrients are used to sustain new growth, the health of the tree becomes threatened.

In addition to considering when and where to plant fruit trees, you will also need to think carefully about the varieties that you choose because of cross pollination and fertilization. In other words, some fruit trees, such as many apple varieties, require cross pollination. Therefore, saplings need to be planted in groups of two or more, which are different varieties but must be compatible.

You may be surprised to learn that not all varieties of apple tree are compatible. The trees must also bloom simultaneously, as some varieties will bloom earlier than others.

Bees are responsible for much of the pollination process, so great care must be taken when using insecticides, they can harm the bees, your natural pollinator.

In order for a fruit tree to thrive it needs to be planted and grown in the right conditions. Consequently, deciding where to plant your new sapling is of paramount importance.

There are a number of factors that need to be considered before eventually deciding on the ideal location to plant fruit trees which include, the size of the tree at maturity, proximity to buildings, drainage, quality of the soil and sunlight.

To plant fruit trees successfully, you will need to consider what type of fruit tree you have and think about the size it will eventually reach. For example, dwarf fruit trees will eventually reach up to eight feet in diameter and a semi dwarf fruit tree can reach up to fifteen feet in diameter. A standard fruit tree on the other hand, can grow up to thirty feet wide.

Like most plants, a fruit tree needs sunlight to survive, again however, this needs to be carefully considered. To plant fruit trees in a spot which is too often shaded, perhaps by a building, will threaten its survival, as will planting the tree in an area which receives constant sunlight. Try to find a spot which receives an adequate amount of sunlight but is also shaded for short periods during the day.

Establishing what kind of soil you have in your garden is probably one of the most important considerations . It is pointless considering all the other aspects of where to plant fruit trees if the soil in your garden does not contain the correct nutrients required for the tree to grow. In addition, there must be enough drainage to ensure that the fruit tree does not 'drown.' The best way to establish the suitability of the soil is to have it tested at a garden center or nursery. When the soil has been analysed, you will be advised as to what nutrients may be lacking.

If the soil is lacking in essential nutrients, fertilizer can be obtained from a nursery or garden center which will supplement any deficiency. It may also be the case that the soil in your garden may contain high levels of some other nutrients. You can therefore, use this information to decide which type of fruit tree will be most suited to your garden.