In Ontario, dormant fruit trees are planted bare-root in early to mid spring before they begin to show green leaves. Follow the suggestions below to establish the young tree properly in its important first year at your home.

• Never allow the roots to dry out! Keep moist in a bag with damp soil, straw, compost etc.

• Choose a site that is well drained and in full sun. No soggy wet areas please!

• Trim the roots such that they are no longer than 20cm. Dig a hole that easily accommodate the roots.

• Set the tree into the hole on some of the loosened topsoil and add more topsoil until the roots are well covered. (Do not put fertilizer in the hole!)

• Pull gently on the tree until the graft union is 10cm above the soil surface and gently firm soil around the roots with your foot. Add soil as needed to be level with surface.

• Install a support post beside the tree: this is not an option; it allows new roots to grow in the critical first year and can be left permanently.

• Using soft tie material, attach the tree in 2 or 3 places to the support post.

• Prevent grass and weeds from growing within 50 cm of the young tree by applying a mulch such as wood chips, landscape fabric, or thick compost.

• Water in thoroughly and adjust the graft union height if necessary.

• Soak with water throughout the summer when dry.

• Apply a liquid fertilizer (houseplant fertilizer is fine) once or twice when watering in June only.

• Deer, rabbits and mice can destroy fruit trees in winter; you may need to wrap or fence the tree to protect it.

--Steve Smith