How to Plant a Fruit Tree

At Confreda Greenhouses & Farms, we nurture and grow our trees so they can be planted at any time of year. Here are a few quick tips on tree planting:

1. Dig a wide planting hole, not too deep. One of the most common mistakes made in tree planting is to dig a deep, narrow hole. This forces newly-growing roots to break through packed soil and slows things down.
2. Make sure the trunk flare, where the roots spread at the base of the tree, is visible upon planting.
3. Make sure tree is straight in the hole—have a friend look at it from all sides before you fill the hole!
4. Fill the hole, packing soil firmly. Shovel soil into the hole a little bit at a time, then add water to reduce the possibility of air pockets. Do not add soil amendments or plant food at this time.
5. Support tree growth—some young trees need to be staked in order to grow well, and all trees should be mulched at the base to retain moisture and insulate the tree against severe temperature changes.
6. Keep it going! It’s easy to forget a tree once it’s planted. New trees need weekly watering unless it rains. You may need to water more often in very hot weather, but don’t over-water. Check the soil under the mulch for dryness if you’re not sure.

With a good start, your tree will provide you with years of shade, bounty, and beauty. And with our 25% off special, it’s a great time to try planting a fruit tree.

For more tips, check out this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s06hGb-CRU8, or come in and talk to our garden center staff! Any one of our onsite experts will be happy to help you choose the right tree and provide step-by-step instructions on planting.