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Fruit Trees - Choosing and Planting Fruit Trees

Do you love the idea of being able to pick your own fruit? Then, you may want to incorporate fruit trees into your landscaping plans for your home. Read this article to learn how to choose the fruit trees that are right for you.

Fruit trees can make a wonderful addition to your yard and can provide your household with fresh organic fruit. Because fruit trees don't require a great deal of room, it may be possible to have your own small orchard. Best yet, most fruit trees are relatively easy to care for and plant.

Choosing a Fruit Tree

To start, determine how big you want the tree to be. Typically, there are three different sizes of fruit trees to choose from:

  • Dwarf Fruit Trees (Require a growing area 8 inches in diameter.)
  • Semi-Dwarf Fruit Trees (Require a growing area 15 inches in diameter.)
  • Standard Fruit Trees (Require a growing area of 25 inches - 100 inches in diameter.)

Before choosing a tree, you will also want to carefully consider the type of soil that you will be planting in. Some trees do well in damp soils (plums), while others do better in drier conditions (apples). Always test the soil drainage before choosing a fruit tree.

If you have a particular location in mind, consult a nursery or landscape professional to help you determine which type of tree will be best. They will also be able to give you tips on choosing a fruit tree that's right for the climate in which you live.

Planting Fruit Trees

You will need to dig a large hole for your fruit tree, making sure there is plenty of room for the roots. In general, the hole should be about 18 inches deep. Begin by adding compost to the hole. Then, put some dirt back in the hole, making a mound in the center. Place the fruit tree directly on top of this mound, spreading roots evenly on top of the dirt. The graft line of the fruit tree should be approximately 3 inches above the ground when the hole has been filled in. If necessary, add or remove soil to compensate.

Gently cover the root system with more soil and firmly pack it over the roots. Take care to overfill the hole, so when dirt settles, the fruit tree will not tip over. If necessary, stake the tree to make it more stable. Finally, add mulch to the base of tree to promote growth.

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