In preparation for a mild winter, the greenery in the garden is gradually slowing down. But we gardeners can’t help but keep pruning, planting, and planning. One project you’ll want to add to your list of late fall garden chores is planting fruit trees.
If so, consider using dormant bare root fruit trees. Planting bare root trees not only saves you money (it’s always cheaper to buy bare root than growing in containers), but it also eliminates the need to carry around heavy nursery pots.
Here are some tips when planting bare root fruit trees:
1. Take inventory of inventory.
When choosing which bare root fruit tree to buy, look for one with a short, thick trunk. Tall trees with thin trunks may be less durable and stable on the ground. After planting, the crown should be pruned anyway to even out the weight so that the upper part of the tree (crown) is proportionate to the smaller lower part (roots).
2. Don’t put off planting.
Bare root fruit trees are, surprisingly, bare trees. That means there is no soil to protect the delicate roots. This also means exposed roots can dry out quickly. What is the solution? Plant them as soon as you get home. Another option is to “heal it in.” This means burying the roots in some type of moist material for a short period of time until planting. Some bare-rooted plants come in a plastic package that already has moist sawdust around the roots. This protects the roots and allows you a little more time before planting.
3. Soak further.
Before planting a bare root tree, carefully untangle the roots and rehydrate by soaking in water for at least two hours. Once that’s done, mix organic compost into the local soil for planting. No fertilizer is required when planting. For containers, look for organic potting soil without fertilizers, as harsh chemicals can harm young trees.
4. Measure the root.
Many gardeners wonder how to plant a tree that has only hanging roots and no clear root ball. First, dig a hole two to three times the width of the root and as deep as the longest root. If the hole is too deep, the soil and tree will sink too much. Fill the hole with a little soil, spread the roots out and backfill, then press the soil gently to remove any air pockets. Pro tip: Make sure the graft joint (if present) is above the final soil level.
5. Mulch generously.
After planting and watering deeply, apply a thick layer of mulch around the tree. Mulch helps maintain even moisture and prevent weeds. However, don’t pack the trunk with mulch (mulch volcanoes can introduce excess moisture into the bark and cause rot).
6. Develop patience.
While it’s normal to want to reap the fruits of your labor right away, be aware that bare-rooted fruit trees may slow production at first as the roots develop. Be patient and you will be rewarded. Some people say that a tree with bare roots will eventually grow larger than a tree in a container. Expect it to take at least 1-2 years to harvest. So enjoy!
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