IC ROOTS NURSERY
FRUIT TREE PLANTING GUIDE

BEFORE YOU PLANT

□ Choose the right location
  • Full sun (6-8 hours daily)
  • Well-draining soil
  • Protection from strong winds
  • Adequate spacing from buildings and other trees

□ Test your soil
  • Most fruit trees prefer pH 6.0-7.0
  • Add amendments 2-3 weeks before planting
  • Ensure good drainage

□ Gather materials
  • Shovel or spade
  • Compost or aged manure
  • Mulch (wood chips, straw)
  • Stakes and ties (if needed)
  • Water source

PLANTING BARE-ROOT TREES

1. Soak roots in water for 2-4 hours before planting
2. Dig a hole 2x wider and same depth as root spread
3. Create a small mound in center of hole
4. Spread roots over mound naturally
5. Backfill with native soil mixed with compost
6. Ensure graft union is 2-3" above soil line
7. Water thoroughly to settle soil
8. Apply 2-4" of mulch, keeping it 6" from trunk

PLANTING CONTAINER TREES

1. Water container thoroughly before removing
2. Dig hole 2x wider and slightly shallower than container
3. Gently remove tree and loosen circling roots
4. Place tree so root crown is at or slightly above ground level
5. Backfill with native soil and compost mixture
6. Create water basin around perimeter
7. Water deeply and slowly
8. Apply mulch ring, keeping it away from trunk

FIRST YEAR CARE

Watering
• Water deeply 1-2 times per week
• Increase frequency during hot, dry weather
• Reduce in fall to help tree harden off

Fertilizing
• Wait until after first growing season
• Use balanced organic fertilizer in spring
• Follow package instructions for young trees

Pruning
• Remove only dead, damaged, or crossing branches
• Prune lightly in late winter/early spring
• Avoid heavy pruning first year

Staking
• Stake only if necessary (windy sites, weak trunk)
• Use soft ties that won't damage bark
• Remove stakes after one year

Mulching
• Maintain 2-4" mulch layer
• Keep mulch 6" away from trunk
• Replenish as needed throughout season

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

✗ Planting too deep (drowns roots)
✗ Leaving container soil intact (prevents root growth)
✗ Fertilizing too early (burns young roots)
✗ Overwatering (causes root rot)
✗ Planting in poorly draining soil
✗ Placing mulch against trunk (invites disease/pests)

TROUBLESHOOTING

Leaves turning yellow?
→ Check for overwatering or poor drainage
→ Test soil pH

Poor growth?
→ Ensure adequate water and sun
→ Check for girdling roots
→ Consider soil test

Leaves wilting despite watering?
→ May indicate root damage or disease
→ Check drainage

SEASONAL TIMELINE

Spring
• Plant bare-root trees
• Apply balanced fertilizer (year 2+)
• Monitor for pests

Summer
• Maintain consistent watering
• Watch for disease signs
• Thin fruit if necessary

Fall
• Reduce watering frequency
• Apply fall mulch
• Protect young trees from frost

Winter
• Prune while dormant
• Apply trunk protection
• Plan for spring planting

RESOURCES

For more detailed guidance, visit:
www.icrootsnursery.net/resources

Contact us with questions:
www.icrootsnursery.net/contact

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