How to plant fruit trees to make sure they take root: tips

Spring is the time to decorate your garden with new trees, including fruit trees. If you're taking on this task for the first time, you may be worried about whether you'll be able to handle it, whether the seedling will take root

Gardening experts assure you that it is not as difficult as it may seem at first glance. The main thing is to properly prepare for planting a tree and then you will avoid all the typical mistakes. OBOZ.UA will tell you about all the details in more detail.

How to choose a place

Most fruit trees need a lot of sun – it is under its rays that crops ripen. Therefore, it is not recommended to plant them in shaded areas. Don't forget to keep in mind that young trees will also grow over time and shade the area around them. This is also important to keep in mind when choosing a location. The new inhabitant of your garden should not interfere with other trees, bushes, flower beds, or beds in the long run.

Keep in mind that light soils, such as sandy loam or loamy loam, are best for fruit trees, but in general, they take root well almost anywhere. However, make sure that the area is not stagnant. Excessive water can cause the seedling to rot.

If you can avoid it, do not plant young trees where fruit trees have already grown. Disease agents and pests may remain in the soil, which can destroy the seedling. But if the garden area is small, try to at least alternate species. Don't plant a cherry where there was a cherry, a plum where there was a plum or an apple tree where there was an apple tree.

How to prepare seedlings

Young trees grown in nurseries do not require any special preparation. It is important to transfer them to the ground as soon as possible. If you still have to store the seedling for some time, put it in a cool and dark place.

In any case, before planting, remove any packaging from the plant and soak its roots in water for several hours (usually from 3 to 8). You can add a little rooting agent to the water.

How to plant fruit trees

The hole in which you will dig the tree should not be smaller than 50 x 50 x 50 cm, but still be guided by the size of the roots of the seedling – they should have enough space. Put non-acidic peat or any rotted organic matter at the bottom of the hole, but sprinkle it with a layer of earth so that the roots do not come into direct contact with the fertilizer.

Fill the seedling with soil gradually, compacting each new layer of added soil. The grafting point should be about 5 cm above the surface. Finally, water the young tree generously.

How to care for the seedling

Be sure to place support near the seedling and tie the trunk to it – this will protect the tree from wind, animals, or accidental tilting. If you damage any part of the plant during planting, treat the injured area with garden varnish. And be sure to remove weeds around the trunk.

In the first few weeks, make sure that the soil around the seedling remains moist. Water it as needed. It is better to do this more often, but in moderation – this way you will avoid overflow.

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