For beginners..…

Steps for Planting Fruit Trees: 
How to plant fruit trees is one of the most often requested pieces of information.  Although the following steps are designed for the person who is planting a few trees in their backyard, the procedure, other than more detail on pre-planting soil preparation (April 21 issue) and orchard design, is basically the same whether you are planting one or one hundred trees. 

1)  After you have decided where you want to plant, you need to clear the sod from that area.  A circular area of at least 30 inches is recommended. 
2)  Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots.
3)  You may want to lightly prune the roots; so as to encourage growth.  Spread the roots out in the hole.  (A mixture of peat moss, limestone and soil can be placed around the roots to ensure water uptake by the roots)
4) The graft union (where the scion and rootstock were grown together) should be 2 to 5 inches above the ground.
5)  Make sure that the graft union is facing  90° against the wind direction (so as to prevent easy breakage
6)  Fill the hole in with soil and gently tamp it down to get rid of any air pockets. 
7)  Water immediately.
8)  Stake the trees (if required by rootstock size) and loosely tie the tree to the stake with a plastic or fabric tie.
9) Head back the tree with a diagonal cut so the tree is approximately 36" in height.  Cut just above a bud, if possible.  If branches are present cut 10-12" above the highest branch.  Also, remove any branches or buds below two feet.
10)  As new growth begins in the spring, be sure to spread the limbs to get the desired growth form (this can be done with clothes pins).
11)  You may also want to apply some fertilizers after growth has begun. Do not fertilize at planting because it may burn new roots. It is generally recommended that this soil amendment be done prior to June 15.  Be sure not to place fertilizer too close to the tree!  A circle 18" away from the tree trunk should be suitable.  A 10-10-10 fertilizer or its equivalent is recommended.
12)  A mouse guard should be placed around the tree trunk and cover the bottom two feet. 
13)  Water regularly throughout the first year. 
14)  In the dormant season, prune trees according to nursery/training system recommendations.

Linda Boccuzzo