Once you’ve selected your tree(s) and determined how large and wide they will grow when fully mature, you can decide where to plant them. Like vegetables, most trees require full sun. (This will vary from species to species; pawpaws, for example, do well as an “understory” tree, and prefer indirect, morning sunlight when they’re young. Determine what your tree prefers). 

Consider how tall the tree will become, its location in your yard relative to the sun, and what it might cast shade on – you don’t want a mature tree blocking sunlight from your vegetable garden or solar panels. If you are growing an in-ground garden (as opposed to using raised beds), you don’t want to plant the tree too close, as it will monopolize most of the water and nutrients in the soil.

Drainage must be considered when siting your tree(s). Most fruit trees will not tolerate excessive moisture, which waterlogs the soil, rots roots, and doesn’t allow them to take up oxygen. You can determine the drainage of your land by digging a hole about one foot deep and one foot wide, filling it with water, allowing it to drain, and then refilling it again 12 hours later; if it is gone within two to three hours, the soil is well-drained.

If not, you can either choose another location or “berm” up the land by adding an extra foot of soil to the area. Some fruit trees – such as Gala and Fuji apples, mulberries, and persimmons – will tolerate damp soil, while stone fruit (peaches, apricots, etc.) and warmer weather trees (such as figs) will not. “Air drainage” must also be considered; frost runs downhill, so you don’t want your tree or orchard in a low spot known as a “frost pocket”.

Finally, if you are planting more than one tree to aid with pollination, follow the suggested advice from the nursery regarding spacing. This can range from 3 to 25 feet depending on the variety and whether it is a standard or dwarf-sized tree.

Title: How to Plant Multiple Fruit Trees in a Small Space - High Density Backyard Orchard Culture
Author/Source: Cameron Akrami (The Busy Gardener)
Description: This video shows how to plant multiple trees in the space normally occupied by a single fruit tree. Sometimes referred to as “Backyard Orchard Culture” or “High Density Planting,” this makes it possible for a suburban or urban grower to enjoy a surprising variety of fruit trees and lots of fruit.

Title: How to Select a Tree Planting Site
Author/Source: Orin Martin and Manjula Martin
Description: Learn what factors to consider when deciding where and when to plant a new fruit tree, including resources on finding a spot with the best sun exposure.