Fruit Tree Planting Guide
After receiving your shipment, check your tree to make sure it is in good condition. If you suspect any problems, contact us immediately. Your tree can be stored for 2 or 3 days in their original shipping container if planting cannot be done right away. Just make sure it is stored in a cool dark place. The roots should also be kept moist to prevent them from drying out.
Dig a hole 45cm wide and 45cm deep. Break up the sides of the hole to loosen any compacted soil. This will make it easier for the roots to grow beyond the hole. Do not add fertilizer or manure to the hole as this can burn the roots.
Full sun is recommended for fruit trees. It should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight during the growing season.
Place the tree in the center of the hole with the graft union approximately 6-8 cm above ground level. This is about a fist from the ground to the graft union.
Begin backfilling the hole with soil that was taken out of the original hole. Fill 6cm at a time while tamping down soil between layers to make sure there are no air pockets around roots. Fill the hole to the original ground level. If there is any soil left over, build a raised circle approximately 90 cm in diameter around the tree to keep water in. You may place mulch inside the circle to help protect the roots and help with water retention, just make sure the mulch does not touch the tree trunk.
Once the tree is planted, water it right away to ensure roots stay moist. A newly planted tree should receive water at least once a week during the growing season. If rain is not adequate, each tree should receive 12-15 liters of water per week.
We recommend using tree guards to protect the tree trunk from sun exposure and rodents.
If you choose to fertilize, we recommend sprinkling a half cup of 10-10-10 granular fertilizer around the base of the tree after it is planted. Just make sure that the fertilizer stays away from the trunk to prevent burning.
Different trees require different pruning techniques. Newly planted trees should be cut back to balance the tree with the root system. Pruning will also encourage strong growth