Where's the best spot for my tree?
When growing a fruit tree, choosing where to put it is the most important factor.
One thing to consider is the proximity of the tree to a building, power lines, nature strips or sidewalks, sewerage or water pipes and any other thing that the tree might disrupt once it grows larger and sends down roots. Once your tree is in the ground, the chances of successfully unearthing it and changing its spot without damaging it are very slim.
How big will it grow?
Be sure you know which size fruit tree you have (dwarf, semi dwarf, or standard) and how big it will end up being once it is an adult. Dwarf trees need an area with an eight-foot diameter to grow. Semi-dwarf fruit trees can grow up to fifteen feet wide. Standard fruit trees can grow as wide as thirty feet. To keep the size of your fruit tree at whatever level is best for you, you can prune them to keep them smaller and accessible..
Give it the right amount of sun
One thing to consider is the proximity of the tree to a building, power lines, nature strips or sidewalks, sewerage or water pipes and any other thing that the tree might disrupt once it grows larger and sends down roots. Once your tree is in the ground, the chances of successfully unearthing it and changing its spot without damaging it are very slim.
How big will it grow?
Be sure you know which size fruit tree you have (dwarf, semi dwarf, or standard) and how big it will end up being once it is an adult. Dwarf trees need an area with an eight-foot diameter to grow. Semi-dwarf fruit trees can grow up to fifteen feet wide. Standard fruit trees can grow as wide as thirty feet. To keep the size of your fruit tree at whatever level is best for you, you can prune them to keep them smaller and accessible..
Give it the right amount of sun
Another thing that you have to consider when planting a fruit tree it whether or not it is getting all of the sunlight it needs to survive. You also have to be sure it doesn't get too much sunlight, especially while it's young. If your tree doesn't get just the right amount of sun, it will not perform at it's best; it may not fruit and may lose it's leaves.
Check that you do not plant it where the sunlight will be blocked by something at a different point in the season.
Location, location, location
Check that you do not plant it where the sunlight will be blocked by something at a different point in the season.
Location, location, location
An important thing to keep in mind when choosing a spot for your tree is whether your spot will be convenient for watering, harvesting, and pruning. If you place your fruit tree close to your house or a fence, be sure to keep it well pruned so it does not become a nuisance and unsightly. If your tree grows over your fence the fruit could drop into your neighbor's yard, which might seem like a nice thing but would probably irritate a fair amount of people. And make sure you plant your tree where it will be easy to water.
Soil
One of the most important things of all to keep in mind when planting a fruit tree is whether or not the soil in your yard is suitable for your tree. Some trees prefer acidic soil and natives have needs that may be different to fruit trees, so you may choose to plant a fruit tree away from any native trees. Make sure the soil is not boggy and waterlogged, most trees won't do well with sort of soil. Check the drainage.
If your soil is less than optimal, consider conditioning it with compost and animal manure. For fruit trees that like acidic soil, blueberries for example, plant them in an area by themselves, or keep them in large pots, where you can give them the soil conditions they prefer. Talk to the staff at your local nursery if you don't know what soil your tree requires.
One of the most important things of all to keep in mind when planting a fruit tree is whether or not the soil in your yard is suitable for your tree. Some trees prefer acidic soil and natives have needs that may be different to fruit trees, so you may choose to plant a fruit tree away from any native trees. Make sure the soil is not boggy and waterlogged, most trees won't do well with sort of soil. Check the drainage.
These blueberry bushes are growing in pots because that is the easiest way to give them the acidic soil they enjoy.
If your soil is less than optimal, consider conditioning it with compost and animal manure. For fruit trees that like acidic soil, blueberries for example, plant them in an area by themselves, or keep them in large pots, where you can give them the soil conditions they prefer. Talk to the staff at your local nursery if you don't know what soil your tree requires.
Now, get digging!
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