How to Plant a Bare Root Fruit Tree: Tips and Tricks

If you are dreaming of having your own fruit trees in your backyard, it is never too late to start. Planting a bare root fruit tree is a great way to get started. It is less expensive than buying a potted or container-grown tree, and it is also easier to transport. In this article, we will guide you through the process of planting a bare root fruit tree, step by step.

Choosing the Right Site for Your Fruit Tree

The first thing you need to do when planting a bare root fruit tree is to choose the right site. Fruit trees require full sun and well-drained soil, so choose a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and has good drainage. Make sure there are no other trees or structures nearby that could shade your fruit tree.

Once you have chosen the site, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root system and deep enough to accommodate the roots without bending them. Remove any rocks or debris from the hole, and mix some compost or aged manure into the soil to improve its fertility.

Preparing Your Bare Root Fruit Tree for Planting

Before planting your bare root fruit tree, you need to prepare it properly. Start by soaking the roots in a bucket of water for several hours, or overnight, to rehydrate them. This will help the roots establish themselves more quickly once they are planted in the ground.

Next, inspect the roots and remove any damaged or broken ones. Cut off any long, straggly roots, but leave the main roots intact. If the tree has any branches, prune them back to about six inches long to encourage new growth.

Planting Your Bare Root Fruit Tree

Now it's time to plant your bare root fruit tree. Place the tree in the center of the hole, making sure the graft union (the bulge where the top meets the rootstock) is above ground level. Hold the tree upright while you backfill the hole with soil, packing it firmly around the roots to eliminate air pockets.

Water the tree thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and promote root growth. Add a layer of mulch around the base of the tree, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rotting. You can use straw, leaves, grass clippings, or wood chips as mulch.

Caring for Your Bare Root Fruit Tree

After planting your bare root fruit tree, you need to take care of it properly to ensure its survival and growth. Water the tree deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather. Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed.

Prune the tree regularly to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, and to shape the tree according to your preferences. In the summer, thin out the fruit to reduce the stress on the branches and improve the quality of the remaining fruit.

Planting a bare root fruit tree is not difficult, but it requires some knowledge and preparation. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can successfully plant and care for your own fruit tree, and enjoy fresh, homegrown fruit for years to come.

Ripe apples on a tree.

planting fruit trees, fruit tree care, bare root fruit tree planting, growing fruit trees, fruit tree maintenance