How to Plant & Care for a Bare Root Fruit Tree

Unboxing

Trees may be kept in a cool place packed in the box they arrived in safely for at least 5 days. (Do not allow to freeze)  If trees cannot be planted soon after arriving, they may be heeled in then, later moved to a permanent location while still dormant.

Site selection

Select a planting site that receives at least 8 hours of full sunlight and is not subject to flooding (standing water lasting more than one day).  Mark tree locations before planting.  Remove sod 2-3 feet around planting site. Ideal Tree spacing will vary depending on the rootstock and vigor of the variety.  Here are general guidelines for in row spacing based on rootstock:

Apple                    Asian Pear                           European Pear                    Peach                                   Cherry

Bud-9        8 Ft,    OHxF 333 12 Ft                  OHxF 333   16 Ft                Standard 18 ft+                  Standard 24+

M26          10 Ft   OHxF 87   14 Ft                  OHxF 87     18 Ft

M7            12 Ft   OHxF 97   16 Ft                  OHxF 97     22 Ft

M106        15 Ft

M111        16 Ft+

Bud 118    19 Ft+

Standard  25 Ft+

 

Planting

Do not allow roots to dry out. Keep the roots in damp media until ready to plant.   Our trees tolerate a wide range of soils.  We recommend you contact your local state extension office for a soil test and site specific recommendations.  Soil amendments / organic fertilizers are generally not necessary at planting unless the planting site is very poor (high percentage of clay, sand or Rock).  Do not add chemical fertilizers at the time of planting.  Only fully composted organic matter may be used as fertilizer at the time of planting.  The hole needs only be big enough for the full root system.  If the soil is hard and compacted it will be helpful to loosen the soil in the sides and the bottom of hole.  The graft union must be between 1” -2” ABOVE ground.  Fill hole with firmly packed soil to eliminate air pockets.  Water generously immediately after planting.  Dwarf apple trees may require ongoing support (8 Ft T Post) to prevent breaking at the graft union in high wind or while bearing fruit.  Semi dwarf and standard trees do not require support, but it may be beneficial to train the tree to grow straight.

Protecting trees from animal damage

Mice, voles, rabbits and deer Will Kill Your Fruit Trees unless, you protect them.  Placing 4” wide 14” tall corrugated perforated drain pipe around the trunk will protect your tree from rabbit damage.  A 4’ to 5’ welded wire fence 4-6 ft. in diameter around your tree secured with T posts will effectively prevent deer damage. Vole damage to apples root system can be mitigated by digging a larger hole when planting and mixing in 10% to 20% gravel. Voles despise Allium plants like onion or garlic.  Planting these near the base of the tree is another effective deterrent.

Spring

Water trees weekly if soil is dry for the first year.  Remove competition for water and nutrients by removing grass / weeds and mulching around tree.  Dwarf Trees may require ongoing irrigation after the first year.

Summer 

Water trees weekly if soil is dry.  Trees should be inspected every few days for insects such as Japanese Beetle and Leaf Eating Caterpillar that can be fatal to trees in there first or second year.  Leaf eating insects are easily controlled with well-timed applications of Sevin, insecticidal soaps or neem.