Favourite Fruit Tree Collection

Plant fruit trees in a sunny border in any well drained soil. Prior to planting, incorporate plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost into the planting hole. Fruit trees should be fastened to a stake to prevent them from rocking in windy weather. Drive the stake into the ground prior to planting. Staking after planting may result in damage to the root ball of the tree. Plant fruit trees at the same soil level as they were in their original pots and firm them into the ground. Fasten the tree to the stake using a tree tie, and water well.

In spring, while the ground is moist, apply a mulch of well rotted manure or garden compost to the base of the tree. This will help to retain moisture throughout the summer. Feed and water trees regularly throughout the summer, particularly during their first two years. Fruit trees do not suffer weed competition well. Keep weeds and grass clear from within a 30cm radius of base of the tree. Thin fruits in July to produce the largest, best quality fruits. Apple/ Pear – thin to two fruits per cluster. Plum – thin fruits by up to 75% to reduce the weight on branches. Apple and pear trees should be pruned in winter; however pruning of plums should be delayed until summer to reduce the risk of bacterial infections.