Fruit

Planting Containerised Fruit Trees

Put careful thought and consideration into choosing your tree and the site it is to be planted.

Choosing Variety and Site

Always take into consideration the proximity of buildings, walls, foundations and underground pipes. These may be damaged by developing roots. If in doubt, always seek expert advice.

Dig

Dig a hole approximately three times the diameter of the pot and twice the depth. Loosen the soil around the degs and bottom of the hole, scrapping them with a garden fork. Pour some Westland Rose, Tree and Shrub Compost into the bottom of the hole. Mix the same compost with the soil removed. A handful of fish blood and bone fertiliser will ensure your tree will have ample nutrients to develop a strong and healthy root system.

Stake

Place a stake slightly off centre into the hole and hammer into place. There are different methods of staking your tree. The standard single stake hammered straight down as mentioned; a short stake hammered at a 45 degree angle, or using two stakes at either side. Often it may depend on size of the tree being planted, but regardless your tree should be staked for the first 2 to 3 years.

Remove

Remove the pot from the tree, by placing the tree gently on its side and easing the pot from the rootball. Using your fingers gently tease out some of the roots.

Plant

Sit the tree into the hole. Place a bamboo cane across the hole to ensure the tree is planted at the correct depth. Remove or add soil at the bottom of the hole as required. It is important that your tree is not planted too deep. It must be planted to the same depth as the pot in which it was grown. Back fill the soil around the rootball, firming it with your heel as you go.

Stake and Aftercare

Tie the tree to the stake using a rubber tree tie. Water the tree well. Place a layer of mulch such as chipped bark this suppresses weed growth and ensures all water and nutrients available go to the developing roots. It is vital especially in the first year that you water your tree during any dry spells during the growing season. A thorough soaking of the soil every few days is much more benificial to a small watering can everyday.