How to Plant a Fruit Tree: The Complete Guide

How to plant a fruit tree? – Preparing the soil for planting

How do you prepare the soil properly before planting fruit trees?

Before you even think about planting, the soil must be ready and welcoming. This is the first crucial step to ensure healthy growth for your fruit tree.

Choose the right spot

Choose a sunny, well-drained spot if possible. The location is the first guarantee of healthy growth.

Analyse the soil

If you want to know how to plant a fruit tree really well, you can have your soil analysed to find out its type: is it clay, sandy, silty or chalky?

• There are two ways to analyse your soil. The most accurate is a test by an agricultural laboratory. The less accurate but much cheaper option is the jar test or the “sausage” (ribbon) test, both easy to find online.
• Check the soil pH. Most fruit trees prefer a pH between 6 and 7.

Organic amendments

Depending on the results of the analysis, you may need to adjust the composition of the soil.

• For clay soils, work in compost or sand to improve drainage.
• For sandy soils, add compost or manure to increase water retention.

Preparing the soil

Before planting, the soil should be loose and aerated.

• Remove weeds and plant debris that could compete with your tree.
• Use a broadfork or a garden fork to loosen the soil over about 1 m².

Let the soil settle

After improving and working the soil, you can leave it to rest for a few weeks.

This step is not necessary if you prepare the soil just before planting.

Every step of this preparation is crucial to give your fruit trees the best possible start. Do not underestimate this phase: well-prepared soil is the foundation of a thriving orchard.

The fruit tree planting calendar

When is the best time to plant fruit trees?

Timing is essential. It must match the needs of the tree and the weather conditions. Here is a guide to help you plan the planting of your fruit trees.

The ideal periods for planting fruit trees

Generally, late autumn and early spring are the best times to plant fruit trees.

• Autumn: October to December

• The soil is still warm, so the roots can establish before winter.

• Spring: March to May

• After the last frost, when the soil can be worked and temperatures are rising.

Personally, I advise against spring planting for most of the fruit trees sold on my website, except citrus.

See our article When to Plant a Fruit Tree for more information

Factors to consider when planting fruit trees

Take the weather and the soil type into account before planting.

• Avoid planting when the soil is frozen or waterlogged.
• Make sure the risk of late frosts has passed.

Table: planting calendar (for guidance)

Type of fruit tree	Ideal planting period
Apple tree	November – December – January
Pear tree	November – December – January
Plum tree	November – December – January
Cherry tree	November – December – January, and February – March in cold regions
Apricot tree	November – December – January, and February – March in cold regions
Peach tree	November – December – January, and February – March in cold regions
Citrus	April – June

Note: this table is a general suggestion. It is important to consult a local professional or refer to the specific recommendations for each variety.

This chapter gives you the basics on the ideal time to plant your fruit tree. If you would like to know more, I invite you to read our article When to Plant a Fruit Tree, which covers the subject in much more detail.

How to plant a fruit tree? – Fruit tree planting techniques and steps

What is the right way to go about planting fruit trees?

Planting a fruit tree is more than simply putting a plant in the ground. It calls for precision. Here are the key steps:

Prepare the planting hole

• Dig a wide, deep hole, about twice the size of the tree’s root system.
• Make sure the bottom of the hole is loose so that the roots can anchor easily.

Position the fruit tree

Place the tree in the centre of the hole and backfill with a mixture of soil and compost until the root collar (the point where the roots meet the trunk) is level with the ground.

At first, you can set your fruit tree slightly too deep. Once the hole is completely filled, gently pull up on the rootstock to bring the collar level with the ground. This pulling also angles the roots downwards.

• Firm the soil lightly, but not too much, to avoid compaction.

Water generously

After planting, water thoroughly. This helps the soil settle around the roots and removes air pockets.

Mulch the soil

Apply an organic mulch around the tree. It retains moisture, protects the roots from the cold (especially frost) and limits competition from weeds.

Important note

• Soil quality is essential. Rich, well-drained soil encourages rapid rooting and vigorous growth.

Take the time to do it well. Your tree will repay you a hundredfold!

Protecting your fruit trees during planting

How do I protect my fruit trees when planting them?

Planting a fruit tree is a crucial step, but protecting the tree during this phase is just as important. Here is some advice on doing it properly:

Handle with care

Handle the tree by the pot or the trunk (rootstock), not by the branches. This avoids stressing or injuring the young tree.

Keep the roots moist

Before planting, you can dip the roots in a “root slurry”: a liquid mixture of clay and manure (usually cow dung) in which you soak the roots of the fruit tree. This stops the roots drying out and gives better initial rooting.

Avoid extreme days

Plant on a calm, cloudy day. Avoid days with frost.

Use protection

Consider using stakes to stabilise the tree and help it grow straight. Add rodent guards (rabbits) and deer guards (roe deer) around the trunk if needed. See our range of protection products in our accessories section.

Water throughout the season

Water your tree regularly during the summer, especially in the first three years after planting, so that the fruit tree can root deeply enough and become self-sufficient.

Avoid keeping fruit in the first year

I know it is hard, and the urge to taste a delicious fruit is tempting, but for the growth of the fruit tree it is better to remove the flowers or fruit in the first year. The tree should spend its energy developing its roots and branches in the first year rather than trying to produce one or more fruits (which, what’s more, will not necessarily be very good).

Important note: lifting and replanting is stressful for the tree. These steps aim to minimise this stress and ensure a healthy, vigorous start. Your tree is a long-term investment, so look after it accordingly!

FAQ: frequently asked questions about planting fruit trees

What are the most common questions about planting fruit trees?

We understand that planting fruit trees can raise many questions. Here are some of the most common ones, with clear, precise answers.

When is the best time for planting fruit trees?

The best time is generally autumn or early winter, when the soil is moist and temperatures are mild. For more information, see our article “When to Plant a Fruit Tree?”

Should I prune my tree just after planting?

It all depends on the age and shape of your tree. I invite you to read our article on central leader training.

How many trees can I plant in a given space?

It depends on the variety and the rootstocks. Find out the mature size of the tree and space them accordingly. On average, 5 metres between trees is enough.

How can I protect my young trees from animals?

Use protection such as tree guards and nets to protect them from rodents and birds. You can find our protection accessories here

My tree does not bear fruit: why?

This can be due to several factors, including the age of the tree, growing conditions, care, lack of pollination and poor pruning. Consult a professional if necessary.

Should I feed my tree at planting?

No, fertiliser is generally not needed at planting time. Well-prepared soil should be enough in the early stages. However, a slow-release base fertiliser such as ground horn will do no harm.

How do I know if my tree is planted too deep?

Once planted, the junction between the trunk and the roots, called the root collar, should be level with the ground.

I invite you to watch my planting video a little further up for more explanations.

Teaching note: every tree is unique, as are the conditions in which it is planted. If you have specific questions, feel free to consult a fruit-growing professional.

 

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