Q&A for How to Plant Fruit Trees

This depends on the variety of tree. Trees that are self-pollinating do not require another tree to bear fruit. Apples and pears generally require another variety planted nearby for pollination.

Yes. If you prune the tree before planting, you can also prune the roots by a similar amount without causing any damage.

It depends on the type of tree and the setup. Trees allowed to grow full usually need at least 15 feet apart, but trees in highly intensive orchards can be as close as 2 feet.

No. Fruit trees need water, but too much water on the roots might cause the roots to rot. Just water the tree regularly and keep the soil moist.

Pears flower very early when it's still a bit cold, and there might not be any bees around to pollinate. Consider hand pollination.

You don't need to put anything around the base of the tree unless you want to do so for aesthetic purposes, in which case it's up to you.

Do not allow soil to touch the graft or any part of the trunk. If soil touches the graft or the trunk, it will cause it to rot, and it will kill the tree. It is also important to be able to see the graft because an unhealthy graft likely means the graft will fail.

I would say no, because it could seriously damage the root stock, especially if the tree has grown deep. There would be no point.

I mean, it depends on how short. They need to be trimmed for better growth each year, but if you harm the main branches too much, then you could cause serious damage.

Yes, trees shed their leaves and aren't meant to freeze. I would say it has a 95% chance of surviving.

No, it won't. In fact, it will protect the trees from rabbits or other rodents eating the bark, which could cause the tree to die.

Yes, I think that will be plenty of space for the root stock.

Fruit often fall because birds have eaten a chunk from them, or a worm has bitten through them. If you manage to deter the pests, then the fruit won't fall that easily.

I would say no more than 4 tress, providing they grow for a couple of years.

On the windward side to prevent over-bending in prevailing winds. Do not tie rope too tightly around trunk, and position halfway up. Allow slack for the windy days.

If you pick off fruit while it's still developing, then the fruit will turn out better tasting. If you constantly pick off the double-headers (happens with pit fruit like peaches: it looks like two fruits sharing one pit), and pick off enough fruit so that there's about 6-8 inches between each developing fruit, then that will give you the best results.

This depends on which kind of tree you’re growing. Generally, self-pollinating trees can be grown separately, whilst those that need cross pollination have to be grown together.

No. The more rootball and soil, the better. Unless there is a problem with fungus or bugs, then clean that out before planting.

The best soil to use for your fruit trees is whatever your yard is made of. You do not want to amend the soil! You want the tree to be able to adapt and grow in the soil you have. If you dig a hole and then fill it back up with amended soil, you will find that the tree will grow great in the amended area but as soon as it hits the non-amended soil, it will likely not grow beyond the amended area and the the roots will just circle around in the amended area.