The site has been selected, the soil has been loosened, and a hole at least 3 feet in diameter has been dug (with all grass and weeds removed from this area) – you’re ready to get your tree in the ground!
Place a heap of soil in the center of the hole; the tree will sit on this, and it will settle over time. Then, if desired, drive a stake into the hole; the tree can be trained to grow up this stake for support. If you are planting a bare root tree, prune off any broken or very long roots, and then spread the roots over the soil, slowly filling in the hole. Make sure the tree is planted at the proper depth; you can do this by laying your shovel handle across the hole and making sure the tree’s root flare, or the top of the root ball, is at or above the handle level. You can even plant up to a quarter of the root ball higher than the surrounding ground, and taper up the soil; this allows for better drainage.
As you fill in the hole, gently tamp down each layer with your foot to ensure the soil is firm and there are no air pockets under the roots. You can tamp down harder once the hole is completely filled. Water the tree deeply; once the water has been absorbed, apply a thick layer of mulch around the tree. But be careful not to let it touch the trunk or root flare; this can cause rotting .A newly planted tree should be deeply watered
Title: Planting Fruit Trees
Author/Source: The Old Farmer's Almanac
Description: Accessible how-to video outlining the essential steps of planting a fruit tree, from site selection, to site preparation, to planting and watering.
Title: First and Last Frost Dates
Author/Source: The Old Farmer's Almanac
Description: Find your planting calendar by zip code.
Title: Totally Preventable Mistakes to Avoid When Planting Fruit Trees
Author/Source: MIGardener
Description: This list of do's and don’ts will help you prevent some seriously preventable mistakes when planting fruit trees in your home orchard.
Title: Top 3 Mistakes Made when Mulching Trees
Author/Source: MIGardener
Description: How-to video discussing the proper way to mulch a fruit tree and common mistakes to avoid.