need tips on planting bareroot fruit trees ?

Answer 1

1. As soon as possible dig a hole that will comfortably accomodate the root system of your tree. When planting do not bend or cut any roots to fit the hole. Ensure that the hole does not contain any rocks, roots, etc. Ensure that any hardpan layer of earth is broken.
2. Cut any roots that are damaged.
3. Place tree in hole and cover root system with dirt removed from hole. Smash all clods before placing back in the hole.
4. Plant the tree so that it is planted at the same level as it was planted at the nursery where it was raised. Look for an area between the highest roots and the graft union of the tree.
5. If your tree has only one variety grafted to it and the tree is long and spindly the following pruning method would be best when first starting your tree:
Cut off the top of the tree so that only 2 feet of the tree remains above the ground. Ensure that there are at least 4 buds remaining on the tree before cutting. If not cut higher.
6. Once tree has been planted, using your feet, step around the tree to tamp down the dirt. Form a basin around the tree. Water the tree.
7. Fertilize the tree with a triple mix of 15-15-15 in the spring after the tree has obtained more than a 1 foot of new growth. Do not overfertilize!

Hope this information helps you!

Answer 2

The most important is to hydrate the bare root plant by placing in a bucket of water for 24 hours, although longer will not hurt. Eventually the tree would suffer, but even a few days will not be seriously detrimental if you can not plant until a weekend or so. Dig a good side hole at least twice the size of the root ball. Lighten or condition the soil by adding peat moss and/or top soil, mix in a handful of timie release fertilizer and plant to the top of the root ball. I like to add some root stimulator. The larger the hole so the soil is worked and conditioned will help root expansion. Consider adding a feeding tube (PVC pipe in the groud to the roots) and water with water soluble fertilizer and water. (Miracle gro or equivilant) and stand back so it doesn't hit you in the eye. Good Luck.

Answer 3

I don't agree with Jim. University horticultural studies are now showing that trees should be planted in the native soil, not amended soil. It is important to dig a wide hole, but not so deep as to loosen the soil UNDER the new tree. A tree is likely to settle in a hole dug deeper than necessary.
First URL involves use of new hydrogel products on roots, rather than a long soak. The second URL instructions from Sacramento Tree Foundation, used in their shade tree give-away program.

Answer 4

The following website has info on planting bare root fruit trees:
http://www.arborday.org/trees/ninenum8.cfm
Good Luck

Answer 5

good advice all around. do not let the root system dry out or freeze get them in the ground as quick as possable water and enjoy watch the fertillizer.