Fruit Tree Planting & Care

Planting and Caring for Fruit Trees

Planting fruit trees the right way helps ensure healthy growth and reliable harvests for many years. With proper planning, planting and care, your trees can thrive and produce high-quality fruit season after season.

1. Choose the Right Planting Location

Fruit trees grow best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Make sure trees have plenty of space for airflow and growth. Plant trees about 12 to 14 feet apart in rows, with about 20 feet between rows if planting multiple rows. Proper spacing helps reduce disease and allows trees to fully develop.

2. Use Proper Planting Techniques

Dig a hole two to three times wider than the container. Mix your existing soil with compost or planting mix for backfilling. Gently loosen the roots before planting, especially if they are tightly packed.

Place the tree so the bud union (the swollen area near the base of the trunk) sits at least two inches above ground level. This is especially important for dwarf and semi-dwarf trees. After planting, firm the soil and create a small ring around the tree to help hold water. Using a root stimulator at planting can help reduce transplant stress and encourage strong root growth.

3. Water Thoroughly

Water deeply right after planting and continue watering about once per week during the first growing season. Slow watering at the base of the tree helps moisture reach deep roots. After the first year, trees usually only need watering during very dry periods.

4. Protect Trees with Proper Spraying

Spraying fruit trees helps prevent insects and diseases. Start with a dormant spray in late winter or early spring. Additional sprays may be needed as fruit develops, following product instructions carefully. Never spray trees while they are in bloom to protect pollinators.

5. Prune for Healthy Growth

Pruning helps improve airflow, sunlight exposure and fruit production. Apples and pears are best pruned during dormancy. Cherries should be pruned in late spring or early summer. Peaches and nectarines benefit from spring pruning and are often shaped into an open bowl form. Plums can be pruned in winter for shaping and again in summer to control size.

6. Thin Developing Fruit

Removing some small fruit early helps remaining fruit grow larger and improves overall quality. Thinning also helps prevent branches from becoming overloaded.

7. Harvest and Enjoy

Harvest fruit when it reaches full color and flavor. With proper care throughout the life of the tree, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown fruit for many years.

Following good planting and care practices helps fruit trees stay healthy, productive and beautiful in your landscape.