How to plant a fruit tree?

When to plant a fruit tree?

Bare-root fruit trees are ideally planted in autumn or winter, avoiding frost periods. For container-grown plants, planting is possible year-round with more frequent watering in spring and summer to encourage establishment.

Where to plant a fruit tree?

Fruit trees need a sunny position and prefer locations sheltered from cold winds. Choose a spot where the soil remains cool in summer but without excessive moisture during winter. Also, consider the tree’s mature size, which varies depending on the variety and chosen form. Take into account the characteristics of different varieties: some fruit trees are self-fertile and can be planted alone, while others require a nearby fruit tree for proper pollination. Finally, select an easily accessible location to make harvesting pleasant or simply to be able to sit under the tree during summer heat.

Fruit trees thrive in light, well-drained soils that are neutral or slightly acidic for most varieties. When planting, we recommend enriching garden soil with compost, ground horn or potting soil. In heavy soils, add gravel to improve drainage.

How to plant fruit trees? (Note: The translation maintains the question format while adapting to British English. No additional commentary or explanations are included, as per the strict instructions.)

How to plant a bare-root fruit tree:

• Dig a hole 50 cm deep and wide using a spade, ideally one or two weeks before planting. Be sure to keep the subsoil and topsoil separate.
  

  If you have many trees to plant, consider hiring an auger – Once the planting hole is dug and if planting bare-root, create a small mound to place your sapling on.

• Mix crushed horn and well-rotted compost or potting soil with the subsoil and pour this mixture at the bottom of the planting hole.
• Install a sturdy stake.
• For container-grown plants, soak the root ball briefly before planting.
• For bare-root trees, prune the roots if needed to create clean cuts, then dip them in root dip (pralin) to prevent air pockets between roots and soil. Pralin is made by mixing 1/3 fine soil or compost with 1/3 cow dung or compost and 1/3 rainwater; alternatively, you can find it in our online shop: Pralin Or Brun.
  

  Making clean cuts with secateurs and dipping roots significantly improves fruit tree establishment

• Place the sapling ensuring the graft union (swelling above roots) is just above ground level, or slightly raised if the soil is very wet.
  

  Fertilisation and positioning of the fruit tree

• Backfill with topsoil and firm well. In dry soil, create a basin around the plant and water thoroughly (about 10 litres).

Don’t hesitate to water generously, even in winter!

• Secure the stake to the plant, crossing the tie in a figure-8 pattern so the stake doesn’t touch the trunk. Use a flexible tie or tree tie that won’t damage your tree. Find our tree ties in our shop.

Staking with a figure-8 flexible tie / mulching around the fruit tree base

Once your fruit tree is planted:

• Water and monitor moisture during the first year, especially in summer and autumn.
• Mulch around the base to retain moisture in summer.

When and how to prune your fruit trees?

Pome fruit trees should be pruned in winter (avoiding frost) until early spring, while stone fruit trees are pruned in early autumn.

For this task, use secateurs or loppers. Always remember to disinfect your tools to prevent disease transmission between plants.

• Remove dead branches and those that cross each other to allow air and light to circulate through the tree’s centre.
• Top the higher branches to balance the tree’s structure and favour horizontal branches.
• To prevent fungal growth or diseases, you can coat pruning wounds with pruning sealant such as Solabiol or clay-based wound dressing.
• In June-July, thin out pre-formed fruit clusters if necessary by removing excess fruit to increase fruit size and prevent branches breaking under the weight.

What care do fruit trees require?

In winter, spread a shovel-full of wood ash around the base of the trunk. Rich in potash, this application helps stimulate flowering and increase fruit yields.

In spring, apply well-rotted compost by lightly scratching it into the surface, taking care not to damage the roots.

If aphids appear, spray a mixture of water and black soap.